Charles Leclerc has expressed positive initial indications regarding Ferrari’s upcoming Formula 1 vehicle for 2024, stating that it is “undoubtedly a step forward” from last year’s SF-23, as observed on the simulator. Ferrari is determined to bounce back from a challenging previous season that resulted in a drop to third place in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing Red Bull by 454 points. The Italian manufacturer has committed to a comprehensive overhaul with the SF-24, which was unveiled for the first time on Tuesday. Carlos Sainz had the privilege of conducting the initial shakedown at Fiorano test track, and Leclerc is encouraged by the simulator’s performance. “The feeling on the simulator is positive,” Leclerc stated. “Compared to last year, the car is undoubtedly an improvement. We have focused on addressing the main weaknesses we encountered last year, as we do every year, and so far, the simulator has responded exceptionally well.” Leclerc recently expressed optimism that Ferrari would avoid any correlation issues, but he acknowledges that the team’s progress will only be confirmed once they hit the race track. “Another crucial aspect is how well it translates to the real car once we debut it on the Bahrain track for the first time,” he added. “This will be a pivotal moment that will determine whether we have done a good job for this season. However, up until now, everything has been positive, and all the simulations we have conducted have yielded favorable results.”
Leclerc has emphasized that Ferrari’s primary goal was to create a more adaptable vehicle after both drivers experienced the unpredictability caused by the SF-23.
“I believe the main aspect we needed to address was the car’s responsiveness to changing conditions,” Leclerc stated.
“Last year, our car had extreme performance when all conditions were perfect. However, any slight variation in temperature, wind speed, force, or direction had a significant impact on our car.
“We aimed to rectify this issue with the new car, making it easier and more enjoyable to drive. Windy conditions, in particular, posed a great challenge, and I hope to see improvements in this regard for the upcoming season.”
Meanwhile, before getting behind the wheel of Ferrari’s latest model, Sainz agreed with his teammate’s observation that the car’s virtual behavior differed from last year.
“I prefer not to go into specifics about how the car feels in the simulator, as it is a confidential matter for the team,” he stated. “However, it is indeed different.
“Our objective is for the car to provide a different feel, instilling more confidence in the drivers and enabling them to achieve faster lap times.
“Last year was challenging in this aspect, but I am confident that we have taken steps in the right direction. Only time will tell if it will be sufficient.”
The Spaniard, who secured the only non-Red Bull victory last season, acknowledges that Ferrari needed to enhance every aspect of the car to be competitive for the championship.
“If we truly aim to compete for the world title this year, we must improve in every single aspect of the car.
“That has been our focus throughout the winter and the previous season – to address and enhance every single area. We have left no stone unturned in our pursuit of improvement. With this approach and mindset, there is room for improvement in every single aspect of this car.”
According to the Source motorsportweek.com