Ferrari has arrived in Japan with a positive outlook after their impressive performance at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne two weeks ago. Carlos Sainz claimed victory in the race, with Charles Leclerc finishing closely behind him. Unfortunately, Max Verstappen encountered a brake failure, resulting in a did-not-finish (DNF) outcome. Red Bull, however, remains confident in their RB20’s capabilities at Suzuka, presenting a significant challenge for Ferrari as they aim to surpass the reigning F1 Champions on Sunday. Nonetheless, Ferrari’s recent triumph has undeniably boosted morale at Maranello.
In Ferrari’s race preview, team principal Vasseur expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “Our one-two finish in Australia has propelled us forward as we head to Japan. This victorious sensation only motivates us to work even harder, striving to relive it as soon as possible.” Vasseur also emphasized the demanding nature of the Suzuka track, which is highly favored by both cars and drivers.
Regarding expectations for the Japanese Grand Prix, Vasseur commented, “We believe we possess a competitive package, but we acknowledge the necessity of executing flawlessly to outperform our rivals. As always in Japan, and especially this year as we race at Suzuka in early Spring for the first time, weather conditions may play a role. Nevertheless, we have made thorough preparations for this potential scenario at our factory, and we are determined to be at the forefront of the race.”
In the current 2024 F1 Constructors’ Championship, Ferrari currently holds the second position, trailing behind Red Bull Racing. Their impressive one-two finish in Australia has narrowed the gap to the leaders to a mere four points. In the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix, Leclerc and Sainz secured fourth and sixth places respectively, while Verstappen emerged victorious.