The Formula 1 world is eagerly awaiting Ferrari in Monza: the Scuderia is not only contesting its home race, but is also considered the secret favorite by experts
Ferrari is considered by many experts to be the secret favorite to win the home race in Monza. The long straights, slow corners and high temperatures at the weekend should play to the strengths of the SF-24. However, Charles Leclerc, who recently finished on the podium twice in a row despite a weak Ferrari pace, urges caution
“The last two races have not changed our expectations,” said the Monegasque on Thursday. “We are in a difficult phase for the team. We’re struggling a bit with the pace at the moment. I think we have understood a lot since Zandvoort, especially on Saturday, where our performance was not optimal. But I don’t think we can quite compete for the win yet.”
In Monza, three points in particular, where Ferrari has shone this season, will be decisive. Firstly, there are the tight chicanes in the first part of the track, and secondly, the Ferrari is considered to have the best engine in the field, which should help on the long straights.
Furthermore, track temperatures of over 50 degrees Celsius are expected this weekend, which could increase tire wear. According to the data from our technology partner PACETEQ, no team has been better positioned than the Scuderia when it comes to tire management in the 2024 season
Will the medium-fast corners be a problem?
“I think we’re in a better position here than on a track with higher downforce,” says Leclerc. “So it should be a bit better. How much better remains to be seen. We will also have some upgrades on the car, which should go in the right direction. So if we put everything together, hopefully we’ll be closer than in the last races.”
However, the fact that Ferrari is not fully confident of a winning chance could be down to the medium-speed corners in the second and third sectors. Over the course of the season, it has become apparent that the SF-24 does not perform as well as the competition in corners with long radii. This is why Leclerc’s team-mate Carlos Sainz is also rather cautious
“My realistic mind tells me that we haven’t been the fastest team or the fastest car since Monaco,” says the Spaniard. “That’s my realistic view. Optimistically, it’s true that we are strong in race trim and we were strong here last year. That’s why I’m optimistic, but realistic at the same time. “
What Leclerc is hoping for from the new updates
As Leclerc has already announced, Ferrari will also be introducing a relatively extensive update package in Italy. In addition to the usual Monza wings, there are likely to be other parts that should solve Ferrari’s problems in the medium and fast corners.
When asked about the updates, Leclerc said: “There were certain characteristics of the car that we needed to improve and these upgrades should help us. Then we’ll see, because I don’t think Monza is the best track to evaluate these upgrades. Probably Baku or Singapore will be more of a test for us, but it should definitely go in the right direction. “