Ferrari closes the Sprint Qualifying with an unexpected front row by Charles Leclerc and the fifth fastest time by Carlos Sainz. Surprising, if we consider that the Monegasque lost almost the entire first and only free practice session due to an error on his part.
Ferrari worked well on the Soft tyres, proving to be Red Bull’s main rival after failing to convince on the Mediums used in both Q1 and Q2.
At the end of the Sprint Qualifying, Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur spoke to Sky Sport F1 to comment on the session, describing himself as satisfied with the result obtained in the afternoon in Miami.
“We already saw last race how performances and results can change from one session to another if different tires are used. But this time too it was a matter of a few tenths. I think Norris made a mistake, but sometimes it really is enough little to go from second position to fourth or fifth. I think Leclerc has improved lap after lap, despite having practically no laps in free practice this morning.
In Free Practice 1, few actually tried long runs to simulate the situation that the teams will find tomorrow in the Sprint Race and in the Sunday race. What is certain is that Ferrari has concentrated more on preparing for the traditional race and the Sprint will serve as a test bench.
“It’s difficult to have a clear picture for tomorrow’s Sprint and Sunday’s race. We didn’t do long stints with the Medium and Soft tires. We prepared more for the long runs on Sunday, but we have to take the Sprint as good preparation for Sunday’s race. Of course, if we have the opportunity to score good points, it’s good to get them.”
Carlos Sainz, Ferrari SF-24
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
“But I’m happy with the work done today. We didn’t expect the front row from Charles. While Carlos, up until the last corner, was on par with Charles’ time, so we’re in a good position with the Softs. Now we’ll have to see tomorrow how we will behave in the longer stints I think we will have more downforce and drag than the others.”
“Leclerc was a bit surprised today in the first corners with the Softs. He hadn’t tried them this morning. In the end we’re talking about hundredths of a second lost, but overall I’d say today was a good session for us. Now we need to focus on tomorrow , make a good start and then see what the situation will be regarding tire degradation.”
It is then inevitable to ask for a comment on the rumors that Newey is close to an agreement with Ferrari. Vasseur, however, elegantly avoided commenting, without leaving any kind of clue about the future of the designer from Stratford-upon-Avon.
“I don’t want to comment, I don’t want to speculate about it. He will leave Red Bull, we focus on ourselves”, concluded the French manager.
#Vasseur #Ferrari #prepared #Sunday #Newey #wont #comment
