Photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari Media
At the end of the Azerbaijan GP, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur analyzed his team’s race. A race that certifies the progress of the SF-23 on the lap. Still to be resolved, however, those of tyre management.
After a good start to the weekend, with pole position by Charles Leclerc, Sunday’s Azerbaijan GP proved to be a complex day for Ferrari. On the one hand there was confirmation of the goodness of the work done on the set-up of the SF-23, capable of returning ahead of Mercedes and Aston Martin, but still behind the extraordinary Red Bull. On the contrary, in the race the Reds suffered again the tyre management problems (albeit minor) experienced in the first GPs.
Therefore, from Baku the Scuderia acquires the awareness that the work on the single-seater was enough to beat the two Red Bulls in qualifying, while there is still a lot to make up for on the Sunday pace of the RB19.
At the end of the race, the Ferrari team principal, Frédéric Vasseur, analyzed his team’s day, however positive. The Frenchman praised the technicians for the work done during the break, useful for bringing the Scuderia back to being second force on the field.
“The goal is to win, but we’ve taken a step forward, being competitive. We’ve improved, we’re using our package better. We’re on the right track. We’re still a few tenths behind on the long run, but less than in the past.”
The Frenchman talked about the developments coming between Miami, Imola and Barcelona. Important developments but which probably won’t make a difference since all the teams will have some.
“Updates? We shouldn’t expect too much, all teams will carry them.”
The former Alfa Romeo boss then commented on the gap collected by Leclerc at the end of the race, according to him the result of one side of the struggle of the Red Bull drivers (who pushed a lot) and on the other of the careful tyre management of the Monegasque.
“Today the Red Bulls fought each other, but we managed. Red Bull expected us to do 2 stops and they pushed while we managed. That’s why we had the same pace in the end.”
Leclerc who, according to his boss, concluded a perfect weekend, starting on Friday, while Sainz struggled because he was never familiar with his Ferrari on which, due to the parc-fermè, he was unable to work.
“Leclerc did everything perfect. It was a difficult weekend for Carlos, he’s been chasing since Q1 and he’s lost confidence. Here in Baku, without confidence it becomes a nightmare. Then in a format where you can’t work [on the setup], it forces you to chase. I’m happy for his 5th place.”
Before leaving, the Cavallino boss spoke of the renewal of Charles Leclerc, claiming that he has not yet started negotiations but saying he is totally convinced of his desire to stay and win at Ferrari.
“The rumors about Leclerc? You’ve heard him, he loves Ferrari and he wants to win the world championship here. Let’s keep calm. The gossip will explode, but there are no discussions about the renewal.”
