What sort of Ferrari did we see in Jeddah? The identical as at all times can be essentially the most correct reply. In truth, this so-called step ahead has been talked about for a month and a half now. And but, regardless of all of the speak that there appears to be a glimmer of sunshine, in actuality darkness and gloomy tones proceed to prevail. The frustration impacts not solely the followers but additionally lingers of their minds.
Ferrari did optimize issues with Charles
Fred Vasseur claims extra might have been accomplished, as a result of dropping greater than two and a half tenths in two corners isn’t acceptable. That’s precisely what occurred to Ferrari, however the causes are totally different and fairly clear. Fred states that by optimizing efficiency, the hole would have been totally different, however we strongly disagree. Charles Leclerc doesn’t agree both. That’s precisely why he’s disillusioned with Ferrari.
The group went out with a baseline setup the place the SF-25 labored properly within the extra technical sectors. Nevertheless, in course modifications it lacked the mandatory precision — a state of affairs, as defined in our common technical evaluation, that led the group to stiffen the automotive additional. Some enhancements adopted, however as a consequence, grip administration within the slower corners worsened.
The story stays the identical. The notorious brief blanket: wherever you pull it, you expose a weak spot. That’s why there’s no level in speaking about optimization. Automobile quantity 16, in Leclerc’s fingers, produced an excellent lap. As soon as once more, Charles drove past the automotive’s issues. He did it by taking main dangers. The snap in Flip 16 through the Q3 flying lap is the right snapshot of the state of affairs.
Fred’s flawed and puzzling view
Over a 300-kilometre race, in idea, tyre degradation must be a lot decrease than in Bahrain. There could also be some graining points on the entrance tyres, which have a tendency to chill down on the straights — that’s true. Fred Vasseur additionally claims that Ferrari has at all times carried out properly with a excessive gas load. We’re not precisely certain which automotive Fred, at all times cheerful, is referring to.
As a result of if “performing properly” means not even reaching the rostrum in 4 races, then that claims all of it. In FP2, the lengthy runs had been disrupted attributable to Yuki Tsunoda’s crash at Flip 27. Just a few laps had been accomplished, which can not and shouldn’t be a reference. The hole to McLaren was properly over a second within the two laps put collectively, which suggests the gas masses had been considerably totally different.
Furthermore, the Ferrari group principal claims that in races, the Maranello automotive performs higher than in qualifying. Once more, based mostly on the typical gaps over the primary three races, we don’t see such an enormous distinction in race tempo. We’re speaking in regards to the common 3–4 tenths per lap on common — which, in actual fact, had been typically smaller in qualifying. Once more, we battle to grasp the explanation for these statements.
The Frenchman’s proud stance
“We’re not right here to be three tenths off pole.” Setting apart the truth that the hole was nearly 4 tenths, even the followers don’t attend races to see Ferrari getting overwhelmed by that margin. However followers can solely watch and assist. Those that even have the facility to alter issues and make a distinction are those inside the group. They usually should act quick.
Fred Vasseur has a sense — a hunch that factors to the lack to place every thing collectively. However nothing modifications, Fred. It’s at all times the identical story. With this automotive, there merely wasn’t extra to be accomplished. Charles’ phrases are so clear that they categorically contradict Fred Vasseur’s pondering. Then we transfer on to the supposed tyre administration talked about earlier. Based on Ferrari’s boss, every thing will rely on that.
True: this 12 months greater than ever, tyres are taking part in a key function in efficiency. However in the long run, assuming equal talent in managing them, the quicker automotive will at all times come out on high. And with all due respect to the previous Alfa Romeo boss, we strongly doubt the SF-25 will present higher tempo than McLaren, Purple Bull or Mercedes. We’d be blissful to be confirmed incorrect, in fact. Pleased Easter to everybody — even to Fred.
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