Ferrari simulator reveals where Charles Leclerc could finish in Montreal

Ferrari simulator reveals where Charles Leclerc could finish in Montreal

Ferrari think that Charles Leclerc can have a good recovery race in Canada.

As it has transpired, Charles Leclerc will be starting from the back of the grid in the Canadian Grand Prix. While it was originally expected that he would only take a new Control Electronics unit for the race (which would incur a 10-place grid penalty) he has taken a whole new raft of changes for the race.

Along with the Control Electronics unit, Leclerc also took a fourth ICE, MGU-H, MGU-K, and Turbocharger. These new components mean that he will be starting from the absolute back of the grid, where he will be joined by Yuki Tsunoda, who also incurred penalties after taking new components.

https://youtu.be/_Tc1gn1wgFM

The ‘official’ expectations for Charles Leclerc in the race are set at P5, as it was earlier said by Ferrari’s deputy team principal, Laurent Mekies, who also explained the decision to take additional components:

FS Video

“…Usually you overtake here and there are many chances that a Safety Car will hit the track at some point. It is a race in which you can aim to recover.”

But as reported by FORMU1A.UNO, internally, Ferrari thinks that they can finish even higher during the race.

Also Read: “We are aiming for…,” Ferrari set target for Charles Leclerc

Ferrari think Charles Leclerc can get himself on the podium

Carlos Sainz(on the left) and Charles Leclerc(on the right)
While his teammate Carlos Sainz aims for his first victory, Leclerc may be able to join him on that podium.

According to Ferrari’s simulations, there is the possibility of rising up to perhaps a P3 finish during the race. Ferrari think they may be able to achieve this in normal race conditions, and any safety cars would certainly help. Currently, it will be Leclerc’s teammate, Carlos Sainz that is starting from P3.

Ferrari did not expect to get pole position with Carlos over Max Verstappen, but they had hoped to be on the front row. Joining Verstappen on the front row is a surprise in the form of Fernando Alonso. Alonso had looked strong all weekend, and topped FP3. Now, he gets his first front-row start in a decade.

The expectation was that Carlos Sainz would be able to join Max Verstappen on the front row, but the Spaniard made a mistake in wet conditions when going into the final turn, slipping over the track for a bit, but avoided any damage and was able to finish the lap. After the race, Sainz estimated that he lost about 5 tenths in that final corner. Without the mistake, he could have been on the front row.

Carlos Sainz is aiming for victory in Canada, and Leclerc will be hoping that he join his teammate on the podium. It remains to be seen if Fernando Alonso can make his car ‘wide’ enough to keep Sainz behind, and if Leclerc can climb through the field like that. Anything is possible.

Also Read: Charles Leclerc feels that taking a grid penalty in Canada was the right decision

Also Read: “I tried to push it in the last corner, but lost 5 tenths and ended up P3,” Carlos Sainz “gutted” after securing second row start for Ferrari