The team principal of Ferrari, Frederic Vasseur, has expressed his support for Charles Leclerc in overcoming his recent struggles in Formula 1 qualifying sessions. Despite an impressive record of 23 pole positions, Leclerc has not been able to replicate his one-lap pace in the last few races. In the Australian Grand Prix, he qualified in fifth place, three positions behind his teammate Carlos Sainz, who went on to win the race. The trend continued in Suzuka, where Leclerc finished in eighth, missing out on a podium position while Sainz started four places ahead. Leclerc himself was puzzled by his lack of pace in Japan, unlike in Melbourne, where he attributed his performance to balance issues in his car. However, Vasseur is not worried and believes the situation has been exaggerated, emphasizing that the final qualifying position does not tell the whole story. He highlighted that Leclerc’s underwhelming performance in Q1 affected the strategy for the rest of the qualifying session, and he is confident that Leclerc’s competitive nature and ability in one-lap pace will lead to a quick turnaround.
Leclerc acknowledged after the race that he would use the break between stages to analyze where he is struggling to find speed in his SF-24 car during a single lap. Vasseur, who has worked with Leclerc before his time at Ferrari, explains how the small margins this season have made his recent results look worse.
“He is aware that he did not have a good qualifying session yesterday, and it’s hard to be happy when your teammate finishes fourth and you finish eighth,” said Vasseur.
“But overall, we need to carefully examine the qualifying session. We missed Q1 and only had one set of tires for Q3, finishing just a tenth of a second behind the second group.
“It’s not a disaster to be half a second or six tenths behind. There will be another opportunity next week.
“We will have two qualifying sessions in China [due to the Sprint weekend]. Two chances to perform well.
“But let’s not forget that he has been consistently among the top four in eight consecutive races, from Singapore to Australia.”
Leclerc made a strong recovery in the Grand Prix, finishing fourth with an impressive one-stop strategy. He managed to make a set of medium tires last 26 laps before making a pit stop.
As Mercedes had to abandon their plan to pit both drivers, Vasseur praised Leclerc for successfully executing the strategy he suggested.
“I still believe that pitting in clean air was the best option,” he argued. “But for Charles, holding position on track and avoiding getting involved in a battle, a pit stop was the best choice.
“The difference was not significant, but it depends on the situation and your position on track.
“It’s a bit more challenging when you have to pit because you need to control everything and there is the temptation to push a bit harder. But I think he handled it very well.”
© 2024
The world of sports is always full of surprises and emotions, and 2024 is no different. Since the beginning of the year, we have witnessed incredible moments and impressive achievements in various sports. In this article, we will highlight some of the most memorable events that have taken place so far.
In football, the 2024 World Cup was a true spectacle. Teams from all over the world gathered to compete for the most coveted title in sports. With exciting games and spectacular performances, fans were treated to a true display of talent. The final was contested between two incredible teams, and the game was decided on penalties, providing unmatched excitement. In the end, the team from France clinched the title and established themselves as the best in the world.
In basketball, the NBA season also did not disappoint. Fans were treated to electrifying games and incredible plays. Great teams faced off on the courts, and the competition was fierce. The highlight of the season was the intense battle for the title between two rival teams. The final series was thrilling, with each game being decided in the final seconds. In the end, the Los Angeles Lakers emerged victorious and added another championship to their history.
Another sport that caught the attention was tennis. Grand Slam after Grand Slam, the world’s best players showcased their talent and skill on the courts. The matches were full of excitement, with incredible plays and surprising turnarounds. The highlight of the year was the showdown between two great names in the sport, who starred in an epic final. In the end, Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal emerged victorious and added another title to his brilliant career.
In addition to these sports, many others also provided unforgettable moments in 2024. Cycling, golf, swimming, and many other sports also had their moments throughout the year. Athletes showed their dedication, talent, and passion for the sport, inspiring millions of people around the world.
As the year progresses, we can look forward to more exciting moments and incredible achievements in the world of sports. Athletes continue to train hard and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. And we, as fans, will continue to cheer and celebrate every victory, every record broken, and every magical moment that sports provide us. Sports is a universal passion that unites us and moves us. And in 2024, we are being treated to a true sports spectacle.
