A better analysis of weaknesses is one reason for Ferrari’s upturn in Formula 1
according to Charles Leclerc.
After three lean years from a sporting point of view, Ferrari is back in the fight for the Formula 1 world title after Charles Leclerc won two of the first three races in the 2022 season. Leclerc sees one of the reasons for the Scuderia’s upturn in fortunes as an improved analytical approach, with which weak points can now be better identified and possessed.
“In the last two years I’ve really seen a leap in the way we’ve analysed each weekend: in the way we’ve also identified our weaknesses and how quickly we’ve reacted to try and improve in the areas where we’ve had problems,” says Leclerc.
This was compounded by the new regulations, which meant that all teams had to start largely from scratch when developing the cars for the 2022 season. Ferrari did the best job, judging by the results of the first three races.
No worries for development race against Red Bull
The last time Ferrari started the season this strongly was in 2018. Back then, Sebastian Vettel had won the first two races and engaged in a thrilling duel with Lewis Hamilton in the first half of the season before Mercedes clearly overtook Ferrari in the second half of the year in the development race to take both World Championship titles
Leclerc doesn’t share the concern that such a scenario could be repeated in 2022 in the battle against Red Bull. “It will be difficult to keep up with Red Bull in terms of development,” Leclerc admits, “but the same team that developed this car will also work on the development of this year’s car, so I’m confident.”
“There’s no reason for us to fall behind because we’ve done a great job, or the guys at Maranello have done a great job, to set up the car for this year,” Leclerc is confident. “There are some developments and I am confident they will go in the right direction. “
Winning car gives more confidence
With a 34-point lead, Leclerc leads the World Championship standings after three of 23 scheduled races this season – for the first time in his Formula One career. However, the Monegasque does not feel any additional pressure due to this fact. Rather, the knowledge that he has a car capable of winning gives him more self-confidence.
“Of course the mentality is a bit different to the last two years because now I know I have a car under me that I can win with,” he says. “I don’t have to exaggerate or do anything extremely special or spectacular to gain a position or two anymore, because I know the car will give it and I just have to do my job. So the attitude is a bit different this year. “
