Ferrari blames COTA track characteristics for Charles Leclerc’s disqualification

Ferrari might want to forget COTA GP following the disqualification of Charles Leclerc.

Ferrari blames COTA track characteristics for Charles Leclerc’s disqualification

Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)

The two Ferrari racers initially finished P4 and P6 in the recent COTA GP. But Charles Leclerc faced some unforeseeable issues in the race. Leclerc, starting on pole, quickly lost his position and finished P6 in the race. After the results were declared, the post-race checks highlighted an excessive consumption of shoes under the bottom, which was beyond the maximum allowed threshold. This led to the disqualification of the Monegasque racer from the race.

The sprint weekend was to blame for the Maranello team. The sports director of the team, Diego Ioverno, explained that the sprint weekend reduced the time available to each team to verify the data obtained from the track. Hence, the team had to rely on the data provided by the simulators.

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The weekend with the sprint is very special. You have very little time to prepare the car, just a session, because then you go immediately to Parc Fermé.
Diego Ioverno said, as stated on motorsport.com

Several drivers even complained about the poor condition of the asphalt on the track. The racers reported bumps in several fast corners. The team was aware of the track conditions at COTA GP, and hence they raised the car after FP1. But in hindsight, the team could’ve raised the car more.

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Diego Ioverno further added: 

We raised the car during FP1. From our point of view, it should have been okay. The wind changed direction and rose in intensity to a higher level than expected.

Finally, Ferrari’s Sporting Director said all this led to the Italian machinery not being legal at the end of the race.

Ferrari prioritized performance and did not raise the car more

According to the simulator’s data, Ferrari should’ve met the requirements on paper. However, due to the track conditions, Leclerc had issues with the regulations. Looking back to the race, Loverno added that the team could’ve possibly raised the car a bit more, but then that would’ve led to a loss in performance.

Ferrari's Fred Vasseur
Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur (via IMAGO)

The teams always try to build a car in order to optimize performance and bring in the best results. Hence, the team took a chance with the cars and kept them lowered. Even Lewis Hamilton faced similar issues with his car and got disqualified, much like Charles Leclerc.

On the bright side, these disqualifications helped the Ferrari racer Carlos Sainz move up to the podium from the fourth spot, hence increasing his lead in points over Lando Norris. Even rookie Logan Sargeant scored his maiden point following the disqualifications of the two racers.

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