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Why did Ferrari struggle to join the battle for pole position during SQ3 in Austin? According to Charles Leclerc, the issue stemmed from the soft tire compound that drivers were required to qualify on. The Ferrari driver is still uncertain why the SF-24 experienced a dip in performance on the softer tires, particularly since Mercedes qualified in second place.
Ferrari’s Promising Start Turns Sour
For a moment, it seemed like the Scuderia would shine brightly in Austin. The Ferrari drivers were the fastest in the opening practice session, and during SQ1 and SQ2 in the sprint qualifying, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz consistently topped the timesheets. However, during the critical qualifying session, things took a turn for the worse. Leclerc could .comy secure the third spot on the grid for the sprint race, while Sainz was left stranded in fifth.
Assessing Performance on Soft Tires
“For some reason, Mercedes has found something on the soft tires that we couldn’t quite grasp in our car,” Leclerc explained to Formula1.com after the session. “We looked good on the medium tires, but on the softs, we simply didn’t have the speed to contend for the top position. My lap felt a bit hindered, but there wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. The car just didn’t feel fantastic.”
Despite the disappointing outcome, Leclerc expressed satisfaction with his third-place start. However, he is uncertain about whether he can challenge pole sitter Max Verstappen during the race. “Max appears incredibly fast at the moment,” the 27-year-old noted. “We still don’t have a clear picture of who will be quick concerning race pace, so there are plenty of uncertainties right now.”
Team Dynamics and Shared Concerns
Leclerc’s teammate, Sainz, agrees with him regarding the Ferrari’s performance on the soft tires. “I had a really strong lap in SQ2 on the mediums, but when we switched to the softs, it seems we’re still lacking some pace compared to Mercedes and Verstappen,” said the Spaniard. “They appear to be one or two tenths faster per lap, especially when you observe how Lewis approached his lap. Even George’s less-than-stellar lap managed to deliver a two-tenths advantage.”
Looking Ahead: Strategies and Adjustments
As the team assesses their performance, attention turns to refining their strategies for the upcoming race. With Leclerc and Sainz both demonstrating potential on medium tires, they must analyze their setups to maximize performance on the soft compound. The challenge lies in finding the right balance between tire management and outright speed, especially when competing against the likes of Mercedes and Red Bull. Achieving the right tire strategy could significantly affect their results in the ensuing races.
In conclusion, while the Scuderia faced disappointments during SQ3, there remains room for optimism as they continue to adapt and evolve their approach on the track. As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see if Ferrari can harness their strengths and convert potential into podium finishes.
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