Charles Leclerc admits Ferrari’s performance SHATTERS team’s early aspirations

Charles Leclerc acknowledges Ferrari’s underwhelming performance ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc admits Ferrari’s performance SHATTERS team’s early aspirations

Charles Leclerc; Image credit: Eurospoort

It is no secret that Ferrari’s performance in the 2023 season has been disappointing. Charles Leclerc’s campaign this season hit a new low after qualifying 19th in Barcelona. At the same time, his teammate put his Ferrari on the second row. Ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, the Scuderia’s driver Charles Leclerc expressed his concern regarding the SF-23.

After being asked whether Ferrari has figured out the problem with the car, Leclerc simply replied with a “No, we didn’t.” He further explained that the team had not reached their goals for this year. “It’s very far off our expectations at the beginning of the season. We are very clear with ourselves, and it’s very clear for us,” he continued.

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Leclerc also mentioned that the team’s current interest is to bridge the gap between their rival teams. “Looking ahead, we need to just keep pushing, bring upgrades as quickly and regularly as possible,” he continued. “Our aim now to try and close the gap to the guys in front,” he concluded. The Scuderia had bought major upgrades to the Spanish Grand Prix but failed to match the pace of the B-spec Mercedes W14.

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Also read: “We’re not copying anyone,” Ferrari rubbishes claims of adopting Red Bull sidepods with latest upgrades

Carlos Sainz points to Barcelona track’s challenges as the reason for Ferrari’s lackluster performance

Carlos Sainz; Image credit: Road and Track

Like his teammate, Carlos Sainz highlighted that Ferrari needs regular updates to excel in performance. Even after bringing an upgraded sidepod and circuit-specific rear wings, Ferrari did not seem competitive at the Spanish Grand Prix. The Spaniard spoke to the media on Thursday, which is what he had to say.

“It’s a very high degradation circuit, which is rough on tyres, which we are tough on tyres,” Sainz said, referring to Barcelona. “It has a lot of high-speed corners, which is exactly where our aero right now is not great,” he complained. However, Sainz is still optimistic about Ferrari’s performance at the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. After qualifying on the front row in his home race, Sainz could not hold on to his place and finished outside the top 3.

Ferrari’s former rivals, Red Bull, have been performing at their peak. With straight-line speed being the RB19’s forte, Red Bull is bound to do well at the Giles Villeneuve Circuit this Sunday. With Mercedes’ new sidepods proving well for the car, Ferrari will surely find the Canadian GP challenging.

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