Charles Leclerc believes Ferrari will “have a shot” at successful subsequent weekend’s F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix however warned their improved tyre administration is likely to be a drawback this yr.
Leclerc stormed to pole place in Las Vegas final yr – however may solely end second on race day – as he was crushed by Max Verstappen.
In 2023, Ferrari thrived in qualifying all through the marketing campaign, though they struggled extra on race day.
12 months later, it’s the exact opposite with their finest tempo approaching a Sunday.
Waiting for Las Vegas, Leclerc feels Ferrari’s improved tyre put on would possibly imply they wrestle to fireplace up the tyres in qualifying.
With the Las Vegas GP happening beneath the lights, temperatures may attain beneath 10 levels.
Talking to Sky Sports activities Information, Leclerc mentioned: “I feel on paper it is a observe the place we should always carry out nicely.
“Nevertheless, the very fact we’ve improved so much with tyre administration, means on a observe the place it’s so chilly, will probably be tough to place the tyres in the best window. On paper, it nonetheless appears to be like constructive. Perhaps not as constructive as final yr however seeing how shut all the things is, I imagine we may have a shot to win it.”
Teammate Carlos Sainz certified alongside Leclerc on the entrance row of the grid however needed to take an engine penalty after a manhole cowl brought on vital injury to his Ferrari.
Sainz admitted “Vegas owes us one” after final yr.
“Hopefully Vegas owes us one,” Sainz mentioned. “Final yr, I feel you can have received the race.
“Clearly, me, I used to be penalised unfairly for one thing out of our personal fault and it in all probability value us the constructors’ – P2 within the constructors’ again then. Hopefully Vegas has one thing good ready for us.”
Ferrari stay within the F1 constructors’ championship combat with three rounds to go.
The Scuderia sit 36 factors behind McLaren as they go in quest of their first title since 2008.
Assessing the constructors’ combat, Sainz added: “I feel it’s our goal. You may say it’s kind of a tough goal given the place we’re on this yr.
“It’s an optimistic formidable goal. I feel we have to have formidable targets and that’s undoubtedly considered one of them.”
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