Carlos Sainz & Charles Leclerc Reportedly Inch Closer to Max Verstappen After Positive Noises From Ferrari’s Backyard

Ferrari started the 2022 season on a big high with 2 race wins from the first 3 fixtures. However, as the season progressed, the car did not and soon the Prancing Horse ran out of steam. Charles Leclerc and his partner Carlos Sainz fell prey to reliability issues a number of times throughout the season. Moreover, some faulty race and tire strategies stripped them of any championship chances that they had. However, the latest developments from Maranello suggest the duo could find something to rejoice about as the 2023 car is showing some positive results.

News from the Italian media suggests the team could unveil their 2023 car in Maranello itself. Earlier, the car was scheduled to be unveiled at Imola. The car development is running behind schedule. However, the team is not too concerned because the engine, as reported by certain media outlets, is operating on 30 horsepower more than its predecessor.

As per Formu1a.uno, “the numbers from the Ferrari simulator are extremely positive, with highly-qualified sources revealing that the 2023 car is over one second faster than last year’s machine. This is an intriguing estimation from the Maranello camp, considering the 2023 regulations introduce significant variations in terms of overall aerodynamic load.”

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The FIA has introduced further changes for the 2023 car. After witnessing drivers take a beating with the porpoising issues, they decided to increase the ride height by 15 mm. A few other changes are to be incorporated by the teams and if the developments are true, Ferrari may have adapted well to them.

Charles Leclerc remains positive for the 2023 season

We often heard Leclerc lash out at his race strategists on team radio for faulty strategy calls. The 46-point lead he built over rival Max Verstappen did not take much time to disappear. While some of it could be attributed to Leclerc’s own mistakes, Ferrari engineers and strategies have to take most of the brunt. However, it seems like the new season could be a new beginning and the Monegasque is certainly optimistic.

Speaking at the Autosprint award ceremony, Charles said, “We hope to win the world championship. We’re working 300%. It was a good year but we want to improve. I grew up karting. I’ve always got on well with Italians, so there’s a very strong connection with the team.”

He added, “I don’t dream often at night but I daydream a lot & my dream is to become a world champion. It’s a fixed thought in my head.”

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After a testing year, the Tifosi will be waiting eagerly for the unveiling of the new car. It may well be quicker, but the real test would be on the track when the lights go out.