After Helmut Marko’s Ferrari Warning to Red Bull, Charles Leclerc Confirms Massive Improvements Following Impressive Recovery in Montreal

A new subplot has emerged in the 2023 season, thanks to Red Bull‘s advisor, Helmut Marko. In a recent statement, Marko has shone a spotlight on Ferrari as a potential dark horse in the Canadian Grand Prix, a comment that has stoked intrigue among the racing community. Ferrari‘s performances have been a mixed bag, with flashes of brilliance offset by periods of struggle. It’s worth noting that the Scuderia has been making incremental improvements to its car. Therefore, Marko’s claim isn’t entirely without substance. Yet, it’s also worth considering that Marko might be aiming to divert pressure, Charles Leclerc has confirmed with his optimistic response after the Canadian GP.

However, the story doesn’t end at Marko’s warning. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz recently confirmed the team’s progressive improvements. Despite starting from positions ten and eleven at the Canadian Grand Prix, both drivers managed to finish in the top five, thanks to an unusual but effective strategy by Ferrari.

According to Motorsport-Total, Charles Leclerc echoed this potential in a post-race interview, stating, “Overall I’m happy, it was a step in the right direction. The car already felt great on Friday and it’s nice that that was confirmed in the race. The feeling with the car was also better than in the first part of the season.” This sentiment raises intriguing questions for the upcoming races on whether Ferrari’s upgrades can work & close the gap to Red Bull.

Read More: After the Disaster in Qualifying, Charles Leclerc & Frederic Vasseur Reveal the Strategic Genius That Led Ferrari to a Miraculous Recovery

Will Ferrari’s speed turn into tangible success when starting conditions are more favorable? How will Verstappen and Red Bull adapt their strategy to counter this potential threat?

Ferrari Showing Progress Signs in Montreal

Ferrari’s recovery in Montreal was not just about the team’s speed but also about their tactical play. When a safety car was deployed in the 12th lap, Ferrari made the pivotal decision to keep both their cars on the track while most other drivers pitted. This strategic move advanced their positions significantly, highlighting their improved race strategy, which in the past has been a point of criticism.

Sainz speculated that had Ferrari started at the front, a delightful battle among three different manufacturers could have ensued, suggesting that Ferrari could have challenged Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes and Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin for the podium. Despite a significant gap at the start, Leclerc was just 18.6 seconds behind the winner, Verstappen, at the finish line, a testament to the team’s impressive pace​.

Looking ahead, Leclerc has made it clear that while Ferrari has made strides, there’s still work to be done. The team aims not merely to compete for second and third places but to battle for the top spot once again. As the season continues, it’s evident that the Prancing Horse is not merely content with making up the numbers; they’re here to challenge & win.

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