It was not the greatest of nights at the Yas Marina Circuit for Scuderia Ferrari. Taking home P13 and P14 from Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel respectively, the team need a serious rejig ahead of the 2021 season.
There was a moment in time in the season where it felt like Ferrari could challenge the rest of the midfield pack with some new upgrades. But ultimately, it was all in vain as they now look to the future with massive improvements needed.
Star driver Leclerc was understandably dejected after the dismal showing in the Abu Dhabi. The Monegasque made his feelings particularly clear to the race engineer over the team radio.
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Charles Leclerc wishes his teammate good luck for next year
Speaking over the team radio, Leclerc said, “Thanks for the season guys, definitely not been an easy season. But, we’ll come back stronger next year, and thanks for Seb. Everything he did for the team. Good luck to him next year.”
The team’s struggles were well documented this season, often unable to build the required race pace to match their rivals in the midfield.
And naturally, Leclerc communicated the fact that the team should be better in 2021 when they take to the grid in Australia. “But speaking about this race, we can only be disappointed. But yeah, next year we will be better,” concluded the Italian.
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Leclerc enjoyed a good middle phase of the race but it wasn’t to last
It looked good for Ferrari when Leclerc and Vettel occupied P6 and P7, whilst others pitted under the safety car. But by virtue of that very fact, the former became more vulnerable, with Gasly and Stroll on fresher tires easily overtaking them to regain the positions.
Despite that, it was a decent season for Leclerc from a personal perspective. He contributed to 98 of the team’s total points and even chipped in with a podium finish.
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He can only hope that Ferrari produce a better car for him to have any chance of competing against the table toppers next season.