Charles Leclerc insists Ferrari is poised for ‘significant strides’ to narrow the gap to Max Verstappen’s Red Bull in 2024

Ferrari is currently the only team to have won a race this season, apart from Red Bull.

Charles Leclerc insists Ferrari is poised for ‘significant strides’ to narrow the gap to Max Verstappen’s Red Bull in 2024

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc (Via IMAGO)

The commencement of the 2023 season posed challenges for Ferrari and Charles Leclerc, navigating the intricacies of the SF23’s sensitivity. Initially in fourth place before the summer hiatus, the team rebounded post-break, surging past Aston Martin. Leclerc asserts that these strides position them to challenge Mercedes for the runner-up spot and potentially narrow the gap to Max Verstappen and Red Bull in the near future. 

Ferrari trails Mercedes by 30 points in second place but is rapidly closing the gap. Since the Dutch GP in Zandvoort, the team secured two pole positions, a podium finish, and a remarkable victory in Singapore—all credited to Leclerc’s teammate, Carlos Sainz. Notably, they stand as the sole team, aside from Red Bull, to claim a victory this season.

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Addressing Racefans.net, Charles conveyed that gleanings from the Zandvoort race yielded valuable insights. The team has assimilated significant lessons, witnessing a gradual upswing in performance that brings considerable satisfaction to the entire team. Leclerc said, “On one side, you always need to look at yourself and I think since the second part of the season, since Zandvoort, we’ve learnt a lot – so on that we are happy.”

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Acknowledging Red Bull’s dominance, Leclerc maintains an optimistic tone, stating, “We are more happy with what we’ve learnt than depressed with the distance to Red Bull.” He envisions knowledge turning into tangible progress, eyeing a leap forward. The Monegasque said, “Hopefully, it will help us to close the gap to Red Bull as soon as possible.”

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Charles Leclerc had to adjust his driving style for SF23 but urges a new car for 2024

The recent track performances align with Leclerc’s optimism. Post-summer break, Ferrari has outscored all competitors except Red Bull, showcasing their potential. Leclerc hints at improvements, noting that in Japan, adjustments yielded some positive results. Yet, he remains realistic, recognizing the need for a “completely new car” to shake up the competition in the upcoming season.

Charles Leclerc in his Ferrari SF23
Charles Leclerc in his Ferrari SF23 (Credits: Racing News 365)

Adaptability emerges as a central theme as Leclerc explores the nuances of piloting the SF23. While he favors a nose-heavy car, inducing oversteer renders it markedly sensitive. Adjusting his technique to address the car’s understeer challenges, he acknowledges the need for a refined driving approach, saying, “It worked a bit more in Japan, but I wouldn’t say it will make a huge difference for the rest of the year.”

Initially a strong force in the previous season, the Italian team gradually succumbed to Red Bull, finishing second in the constructor standings. Faced with this setback, the Maranello squad replaced leadership, appointing Fred Vasseur as team principal. Leclerc describes his former team boss at Alfa Romeo-Sauber as “super-flat emotionally,” and appreciates the balance he brings to the passionate Italian team.

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