Charles Leclerc emerged as the pace-setter on the opening day of the Australian Grand Prix, dominating Free Practice and topping the time sheets ahead of Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz. His impressive performance continued into FP1, where he maintained his position near the top, finishing in fourth place. This marked a promising start for Ferrari.

Meanwhile, Spaniard return after undergoing surgery two weeks prior added another intrigue. However, amidst the outstanding performance, Monegasque exposed potential Pirelli tyre flaws highlighted a crucial concern for the season ahead.

Charles Leclerc pinpoints Pirelli’s flaw

Charles Leclerc’s revelation about a flaw in Pirelli tires, the exclusive supplier for F1, came after his top finish in FP2. Pirelli offers three slick tire compounds, alongside intermediates and full-wets, ranging from hardest to softest. These tyre’s usually regulate overheating and degradation. 26 years Ferrari driver disclosure prompted the tyre mongol, responsible for supply, to acknowledge the issue on Twitter, casting uncertainty on tire performance for future races. The tyre mongol Semone Berra noted, “We also expected the graining that was quite noticeable today on the Medium and Soft, as well as the significant track evolution from one session to the next, as demonstrated by Leclerc’s FP2 time being 1”3 quicker than the time set by Norris in FP1″

Charles Leclerc ignited the Australian Grand Prix season with a blazing start, securing 4th place in FP1 with a time of 1:18.642. Transitioning to FP2, he displayed unparalleled speed, setting the fastest lap of 1:17.277s on soft tires, distancing himself from Dutch man. Red Bull driver delayed entry into the session disrupted his rhythm, positioning him slightly off the pace. Leclerc’s stellar performance not only affirmed Ferrari’s competitiveness but also set a formidable precedent for the race weekend ahead, hinting at an intense battle for supremacy at the Albert Park circuit. While, Ferrari Team Principal, Frederic Vasseur, confidently asserts Spaniard fitness for the Australian Grand Prix.

Frederic Vasseur declares Carlos Sainz Fit for the Race

At Albert Park, the SF24 emerges as a formidable force, overshadowing even the Red Bull, with Monegasque topping FP2, outpacing Max Verstappen. Despite Carlos Sainz’s ongoing recovery from appendicitis surgery, he impressively secures 3rd place in FP2. Ferrari Team Principal, Frederic Vasseur, instills confidence in the Spaniard, assuring him of his readiness to compete in the Australian Grand Prix. The Ferrari team principal stated to Fia.com “I would say, so far so good, He was a little bit on the back foot the first couple of laps and then step by step he came back pretty well. I think he’s optimistic for the rest of the weekend.”

After the race, despite feeling a bit tired, Sainz expressed satisfaction with his speedy recovery within just 10 days. With his restored health, Ferrari appears poised for a strong showing in the race, buoyed by the confidence of both teammates in their ability to challenge Max Verstappen for pole position. The team’s optimistic outlook signals a determined effort to maintain their competitive edge as they vie for success in the upcoming races.

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Will Ferrari’s SF24 outpace Max Verstappen’s RB20 at Albert Park, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown in the Australian Grand Prix? comment your thoughts.