The Spanish GP left Ferrari with a disappointing performance and tension between their two drivers. The Ferrari pair left the Barcelona circuit frustrated after early contact – sharing their frustration post-race. Charles Leclerc addressed these issues in Thursday’s press conference at the Red Bull Ring. The Monegasque affirmed his confidence that the SF-24 could return to being competitive this weekend in Austria. He also made clear there is no problem with teammate Carlos Sainz.
LECLERC: “I HAVE FAITH THAT WE CAN GET BACK INTO THE FIGHT”
After the disappointing weekend in Montreal, Ferrari suffered from another disappointing weekend in Spain. They failed to improve on their uninspiring P5 and P6 qualifying results on race day. Leclerc gave his analysis of the team’s Spanish GP:
“In Spain, we missed that gap we had from pole position, 2-3 tenths. However, I think the potential of the car is there. We need to optimise our package, and we will get back to the positions we want.
“We didn’t succeed in Montreal, especially due to the tyres and weather conditions being outside our operating window, nor in Barcelona, where we simply weren’t fast enough.
“But, I repeat, the preparation in the simulator for this grand prix went well, and I have faith that we will be able to get back into the fight .”
Looking at the characteristics of the Red Bull Ring, Leclerc believes that the Austrian track could be more favourable to Ferrari:
“In Spain, we struggled especially in the long corners. Here, there are fewer of them, and this should favour 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. After the race, the two drivers exchanged mutual accusations. The Monegasque assured that the tensions had already subsided on Sunday evening:
“Regarding the relationship with Carlos, there were no issues. On Sunday we returned on the same plane, we just saw each other, and everything was 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 time together at Ferrari, there have been a few skirmishes between the teammates. Of course, any issues are typically diffused very quickly. Leclerc is sure it will be the same this time:
“I have absolutely no worries about our relationship from here on out. It was an episode of the race in which there was a bit of tension.
“It has already happened in the past and maybe it won’t be the last time, but each time we handled the issue by talking to each other, and then everything is fine.
“I think it will be the same this time. I’m not worried .”
