Ferrari did not optimize the Sprint Qualifying. A SF-24 very good until SQ2in the dry, where he managed the activation of the compounds quite well. The handling it had no particular problems and the usual oversteer, characteristic of the Italian car 2024, was administered upon entry, encouraging rotation. The load level although lower than Red Bull guaranteed good travel speeds and the possibility of obtaining a good placing in the final phase of the classification session was well within reach, trying to put pressure on the two RB20.
The rain, however, did not agree at all. The first showers arrive already at the end of the second part of qualifying. An aspect that forces several pilots to abort their last attempt. There SQ3 part on wet asphalt. We are not talking about torrential rain but, keeping in mind the reference plan of Shanghai, is more than enough to create a truly complicated performance context. All riders ride them Intermediate by taking on a certain quantity of petrol that allows him to carry out several attempts in succession. In the key moment here is the twist: Charles Leclerc on the wall.
Luckily the number 16 does not suffer serious damage and the Monegasque, after a rapid check via the sensors installed on the car, it is called to box from the wall. We change the front wing, a set of brand new green band Pirellis and off we go again on the track. Certainly not a favorable situation which actually adds a lot of pressure. The former Alfa Romeo he does what he can and grabs seventh place behind Sergio Perez. While in Sainz manages to do something better by taking fifth position behind the other Red Bull Of Verstappen. Under water the activation of the tires was undoubtedly imperfect.
However, the same goes for the reigning world champions who, just like the single-seaters of prancing Horsethey fell far short of maximizing this crazy qualification. Vasseur he didn’t make a drama out of it. On the contrary, you declared to the microphones that, even before arriving on China, the priority of the Maranello team was on the tire strategy to “save” a set by Medium for the Sprint Race. Idem for a train of Hard. In this sense we just have to wait a few more minutes to understand if the compound tactics designed for the Ferrari SF-24 with the legs under the table it will be effective. The same goes for the choice of rear load.
It’s not raining and that’s already a good thing. Without a doubt the asphalt will have very little grip. First of all, the interesting choice. Sainz chooses to leave with a set of tires Medium brand new. On the contrary, his teammate saves the trains Pirelli with an untouched yellow band for the Sunday race. The clutch release for the Ferraristi is good. The departure of Carlos it’s a good bike because in addition to passing Norrishe manages to put behind too Perez throwing himself into the attack of Verstappen. Also Leclerc Lando passes and throws himself in the wake of the Red Bull number 11.
The Spanish of Ferrari it literally glues itself to the exhausts of the reigning world champion. The Medium new ones offer a extra grip, but the Dutchman is a very tough nut to crack and defends himself in every way by blocking all the trajectories. Two laps later the first advice arrives to avoid destroying the compounds, reminding the Ferrari drivers that the entry into Turn 7 must be less aggressive. Carlos prefers to take a slight edge on the talent of Hasselt so as not to destroy the covers, while Charles stay closer to Perez. Meanwhile Verstappen lights up and puts it behind Alonso.
In curve 2 it is recommended not to use the pre-mapped configurations relating to the differential in the center of the curve. Ditto the brake settings at 15. Fernando is acting as a stopper right now, with Sainz who is unable to get close enough to attack him. This means that Perez it is found in the drains of number 55, as well as Leclerc chases Checo very closely. Hamiltonin the meantime, nothing can against the excessive power of Verstappen who passes him and takes the lead of the race. There are 10 rounds left to go.
Aston Martin of the two-time reigning world champion, after a few laps in difficulty he manages to stabilize his laptime, maintaining good speed on straight lines with excellent traction. Because of this Adami grants the use of K1 early on the line, to try the attack on the Spaniard. When there are 5 rounds left to go things don’t change, with Sainz who seems more committed to defending the position above Checo rather than trying to overtake Alonso. Leclerc However, he begins to become more aggressive and glues himself to the Mexican’s speaker. The Monegasque tries on the outside of the long straight in T3.
Finally the redhead’s Spaniard wakes up and passes Fernando. However Perez takes advantage of the situation and puts both behind. In the meantime Charles he becomes very aggressive and attacks his teammate: the Madrileño tries to overtake at the end of the long straight but Sainz resist. The number 16 is forced to widen the trajectory a lot to avoid contact. Half a turn later Leclerc he tries again and this time his teammate passes. The pace of the Monegasque is better and the margin on teammate it widens in subsequent steps. In the following steps nothing more happens.
The two Ferrari they have not fully succeeded in maximizing returns. Neither radio team the final Carlos “he justifies himself” by talking about tyres. Be too aggressive in the first three laps to attempt the attack on Verstappen he actually worsened the pace of the stint. TO Charles instead compliments are given for the good race management regarding the covers. A fourth and fifth place which certainly doesn’t exalt. Without a doubt in this mini 100 km race i feedback on roofing administration will be very useful in view of tomorrow. It’s a shame though, because Ferrari had the pace to do better.
Author: Alessandro Arcari – @berrageiz
Images: Scuderia Ferrari – F1TV
Tags: Chinese Sprint Race Ferrari blocked Alonso Leclerc Sainz fights
