Today, Ferrari faced difficulties as Leclerc, who has been prone to making mistakes, went off track and collided with the wall. This left Sainz, who will soon be out of a job, to achieve the best result for the team on Friday.
According to Ferrari’s report, the first Qualifying Sprint in China turned into a game of luck due to the heavy rain during the final phase that determined the top ten grid positions at the Shanghai International Circuit. The track had particularly poor grip.
During the short 8-minute Q3 session, Ferrari’s SF-24s were fueled to complete four laps. However, Charles spun during his out lap and hit the barriers at Turn 8. He had to pit to change tires and the front wing.
Sainz described his Qualifying in Shanghai as a challenging and mixed session. They managed to get through SQ1 and SQ2 without major issues, but in SQ3, with the rain and the use of intermediate tires, they struggled with the rear tires as they couldn’t reach the right temperature.
Sainz added that if the Sprint Race is also wet, it will be a tough session for them. However, the current forecast suggests a higher chance of dry conditions. Regardless, they will try to gain positions and approach the afternoon qualifying with good momentum.
After Qualifying, Leclerc shared his thoughts, stating that he lost control of the car during the out lap at Turn 8 in SQ3, which compromised his session. He believes there wasn’t much they could have done differently that day. He also mentioned that their work on tire preparation in dry conditions seems to be paying off. They will give their best in the Sprint Race and then prepare for qualifying the next day.
The head of Ferrari in F1, Fred Vasseur, concluded the team’s report acknowledging the extremely difficult conditions during SQ3. They struggled to warm up the intermediate tires, which seemed to be a challenge for everyone. They will analyze the data to learn from this wet session, especially considering the tricky track surface. The forecast for the following day is better and they anticipate dry conditions for the rest of the weekend. Vasseur expressed hope for a less complicated first day on the track, considering the five-year hiatus of races at this circuit and the introduction of the new generation of cars.
After an intense and demanding Qualifying session, the time sheets revealed a harsh reality for everyone except pole position Lando Norris, who was over a second faster than the next best competitor. Sainz, Ferrari’s top driver, was a second behind, indicating that his car is not suitable for low grip conditions like those experienced today.
“The track surface is particularly challenging to understand,” Vasseur stated. “However, I believe we are heading in the right direction and I am hopeful that the fact we preserved a set of medium tires will be advantageous later on. Our initial goal is to fight for points-scoring positions and then shift our focus to Sunday, when significant points are distributed,” he added.
Historical records reveal that Rubens Barrichello, a Ferrari driver, emerged victorious in the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix in 2004, followed by wins from Michael Schumacher in 2005 and 2006. The last time a red car clinched victory in Shanghai was in 2013, when Fernando Alonso succeeded.
The best result for Leclerc at this circuit in the two times he competed was a fifth place in 2019, before its absence on the calendar until now. Sainz’s best result in five starts was a seventh place in 2017, during his time at McLaren.
As we approach the 5th round of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship in China this weekend, Ferrari, with a total of 120 points, holds the second position in the F1 Constructors’ World Championship, trailing Red Bull by a margin of 21 points.
In the F1 drivers’ standings, Leclerc and Sainz currently occupy the third and fourth positions, respectively, while chasing the dominant Red Bull drivers. It is worth noting that Carlos, in his last season with Red Bull, is the only driver to have achieved victory this year besides Max Verstappen. Additionally, he was absent in the second race of the season in Saudi Arabia.
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Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo shines once again! In an exciting match held last night, the player scored two decisive goals for his team’s victory. With this impressive performance, Ronaldo once again showed why he is considered one of the best players in the world.
Ronaldo’s first goal came at the 20th minute of the first half. After an incredible play, he dribbled past three opponents and shot accurately into the back of the net. It was a moment of pure genius! The stadium went wild with the player’s skill and technique.
In the second half, Ronaldo once again showed his mastery. At the 60th minute, he received a perfect pass and, with a powerful shot, scored his second goal of the match. It was a moment of pure emotion for the fans, who applauded the brilliant play of the star player standing up.
With this victory, Ronaldo’s team remains in the lead of the championship. The player has been essential to the team’s success, contributing with goals and assists in every match. His skill and determination are inspiring to all football fans.
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to surprise and delight the world with his talent. His exceptional performance on the field is a true inspiration to all sports lovers. There is no doubt that he will leave a lasting legacy in football. Keep an eye on this phenomenon!
