Leclerc Urges Ferrari to Unravel Red Bull and McLaren’s Energy Strategy for Podium Return
As the engines roared at Imola, Ferrari fans held their breath, hoping for a triumphant home race. However, it was Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris who stole the show, engaging in a thrilling battle for victory. In the end, it was Verstappen who clinched the win, fending off Norris by a mere seven-tenths of a second.
For Ferrari, the podium remained elusive, with Charles Leclerc finishing over six seconds ahead of Norris’s teammate Oscar Piastri, but still trailing Verstappen by a significant 14-second margin. Yet, amidst the disappointment, Leclerc remained optimistic, convinced that he had identified the key difference-makers for Red Bull and McLaren.
In Leclerc’s analysis, the crucial factor lies in how these rival teams manage their energy deployment from the power unit. He firmly believes that cracking this mystery could catapult Ferrari back into contention for race victories.
Reflecting on his performance at Imola, Leclerc acknowledged the challenges he faced in maintaining track position while managing tire wear. Despite his best efforts, he found himself unable to close the gap to Norris once the McLaren driver began to push.
However, Leclerc remains confident in Ferrari’s race pace, citing promising data that suggests their shortcomings primarily lie in energy management rather than tire-related issues. According to Leclerc, Red Bull and McLaren’s “weird” tactics with energy deployment hold the key to their dominance.
With Ferrari now focused on dissecting and addressing these energy deployment strategies, Leclerc believes they have a genuine chance of reclaiming the top step of the podium. His optimism is buoyed by his ascent to P2 in the Drivers’ Championship standings, a testament to Ferrari’s potential for success once they unlock the secrets of their rivals’ tactics.
