Before the start of 2024 Formula One Brazilian GP weekend, Scuderia Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc spoke to media.
Leclerc was primarily asked about how important it was for him to bring back the Formula One World Constructors’ Championships title back to the Maranello based team. The Scuderia Ferrari driver replied in affirmative, however emphasised that it is not something they’re actively focusing on.
“It will be very, very important, especially after so many years, Ferrari being out of chances of winning that world title. So, yeah, it’s important. However, it’s not something we focus on.
“It’s not something that we speak of, to be honest, inside the team. We are just focussing step by step. We really believe that this is the way forward.”
Leclerc clarifies that they are following a week-by-week approach, rather than thinking about the end results too much.
“And in order to give ourselves the best chance in order to win the championship, we’ve got to not think about it too much. So we are just focussing on this weekend, starting with this weekend, hopefully maximising the result just like we’ve done in the last two races. We have a good momentum.”
The Monégasque driver also stated that they have a good momentum and the team remains motivated.
“The motivation is super high in the team. And we need to use that in order to do a very good short term. And then we’ll see at the end of the season how it goes.“
Last weekend, when Formula One was visiting the altitudes of Mexico City, during the race Charles Leclerc was constantly told to lift and coast, indicating temperature issues on the SF-24. However, the lifting and coasting lead to the tyres falling out of the operational window. This culminated into a huge a snap of oversteer for the Monégasque driver in the last phase of the Grand Prix.
Leclerc seemed confident that the issues would not follow them to Brazil. “Well, I mean, it’s a very, very different scenario here.
“I don’t think the lift and coast will be as much of an issue. Obviously, being very high in altitude in Mexico, there are some cooling issues. And when you are behind another car, even more so.
“So, yeah, there was some management to do, but we don’t expect this to be an issue this weekend.”
Charles Leclerc was also asked about the progress Scuderia Ferrari has made over the years he has been with the team, given their chances at a championship late in the season.
The Monégasque driver detailed what used to be his weaknesses, and how he’s turned them into strength. The Ferrari driver also appreciates Ravin Jain, Ferrari’s new Head of Strategy.
Leclerc further explained how the arrival of Fred Vasseur has lead to a shift in mentality of the team.
“Well, I think there was a few weaknesses. First, when I arrived in the team, I think tyre management on my side was always a weakness back then. And I think now it actually became one of my strengths. I think as a team, we have improved the way we are working together.
“And that’s small steps every year, but small steps in the right direction. And that makes a difference. I think strategy-wise, we are in a much better place today.
“Ravin and his team is doing an exceptional job. And on that, we have done a big step forward. And then, of course, there’s the arrival of Fred inside the team that I think has done a lot of good to the team.
“Mostly because, as I’ve said many times, I think the really good thing about Ferrari is that there’s a lot of passion inside the team and that helps to push people even over the normal work hours just because they love so much their job and it means so much that they do more. However, you can pay the price of that sometimes when you have a tough time because they are more affected emotionally to the team and that makes it difficult. However, Fred is a very emotionally flat person, at least professionally speaking.
“And I think that’s exactly what’s needed in Ferrari for a boss with always a very clear vision and not being affected by the outside world perception and emotions. So, yeah, these are the steps that we’ve done in the last 5-6 years and we’ll try and continue. There’s still a lot of room to improve in the next few years.
“But we have a clear vision where we are now and where we want to go in terms of development. Then in terms of goals, it’s clear for everybody that we want to win both titles and hopefully we’ll start with one this year.”
