The Spanish GP left Ferrari with a disappointing performance and a certain tension between the two drivers, who were involved in a contact on the track which was followed by angry statements. The topics were addressed by Charles Leclerc during the Thursday press conference at the Red Bull Ring: the Monegasque explained that he feels confident that the SF-24 can return to being competitive as early as this weekend’s Austrian GP, adding that between him and Carlos Sainz the misunderstanding seen in Barcelona is already been resolved.
Leclerc: “I have faith that we can get back into the fight”
After the disappointing weekend in Montreal, when both Ferraris were eliminated at the end of Q2, at the Circuit de Catalunya the two SF-24s stopped on the third row, unable to improve their result even in the race. Leclerc analyzed the latest subdued results like this: “In Spain we missed the gap we had from pole position, 2-3 tenths. However, I think the potential of the machine is there, we have to optimize our package and we will get back to the positions we want. We didn’t succeed in Montreal, especially due to the tires and weather conditions being outside our operating window, nor in Barcelona, where we simply weren’t fast enough. But, I repeat, the simulator preparation for this grand prix went well and I have faith that we can get back into the fight“.
Looking at the characteristics of the Red Bull Ring, Leclerc believes that the Austrian track could be more favorable to Ferrari: “In Spain we struggled especially in the long corners, here there are fewer of them and this should help us. However, we also have to work on that type of corners, it went a little better in the last few races but then we struggled. We have to put everything together, we are working on it and I have faith that it will go well“.
No consequences in the relationship with Sainz
After Barcelona, there was much discussion about the episode involving the two Ferraris in the first part of the Spanish GP. Sainz overtook Leclerc, the two cars even touched, and after the race the two drivers exchanged mutual accusations. The Monegasque assured that the tensions had already subsided on Sunday evening: “As far as the relationship with Carlos is concerned, there were no repercussions, We came back on the same plane on Sunday, we just had to see each other and everything is fine. We discussed, as always, and I think the problem always seems huge from the outside. We know each other so well and for so many years that we know that after the race there is tension and we are both in the heat of the moment, disappointed in each other. Then we talk together and everything falls into place“.
During their cohabitation at Ferrari, which has now lasted since the 2021 season, moments of tension on the track between the two have never been lacking, even if everything has always ended within a few hours. Leclerc is sure it will be the same this time too: “I have absolutely no concerns about our relationship going forward. It was an episode of the race where there was a bit of tension, It’s happened before and maybe it won’t be the last timebut every time we have handled the issue by talking among ourselves and then everything is fine. I think it will be the same this time too, I’m not worried“.
