Title: Ferrari Faces Uphill Battle in Mexico City Grand Prix, Leclerc Admits
Subtitle: Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz struggle to find pace as aggressive soft tyres compound Ferrari’s challenges
In a surprising turn of events, Ferrari’s stellar performance in the United States Grand Prix seems to have hit a roadblock in Mexico City. Charles Leclerc, the team’s star driver, revealed that Ferrari is currently on the back foot as they struggle to find enough pace from their car over a single lap.
Leclerc, who finished third-quickest in the second free practice session, remains cautious despite the encouraging result. The Monegasque driver believes there is still a lot of work to be done in order to catch up with their strong competitors, particularly McLaren, Red Bull, and the formidable Max Verstappen. Assessing Mercedes’ performance remains challenging for Ferrari at the moment.
Ferrari’s testing time with the soft tyres has proven to be challenging, exacerbating their struggle to keep up with the pace. The aggressive characteristics of these tyres make it even more difficult for Leclerc and his teammate, Carlos Sainz, to extract optimal performance from their car. Sainz explained that Ferrari’s struggle mainly lies in the lack of rear grip, especially over a single lap, and the quick overheating of the soft tyres presents a significant challenge for the team.
However, Ferrari is not backing down. Acknowledging the areas that need improvement, the team remains determined to make strides forward and regain their competitiveness. Leclerc remains hopeful, though realistic, about securing pole position again. While acknowledging the challenge, he does not rule out the possibility of surprising fans with an unexpected feat.
Looking ahead to qualifying, Ferrari intends to concentrate efforts on improving their one-lap pace. With the competition heating up, the team is bracing itself for a tough fight as they aim to secure a favorable grid position.
As the Mexico City Grand Prix approaches, all eyes are on Ferrari as they navigate the challenges that lie ahead. With Leclerc at the helm, the team remains focused, motivated, and eager to impress on the race track. Motorsport enthusiasts eagerly await the qualifying session to see if the iconic Italian team can overcome their current setbacks and reclaim their position among the frontrunners.