“On Paper It Looks Better”: Despite Positive Signs, Charles Leclerc Holds His Breath as Ferrari’s Achilles Heel Set to Stand Ultimate Test

Just a week ago, Frederic Vasseur predicted that Ferrari would have a decent race weekend at the Hungarian Grand Prix, but only under the condition of a good setup. Now, Charles Leclerc, who had a difficult race weekend at the Silverstone due to Ferrari’s mistaken assessment, claims that there are a few positive indications ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, though the Prancing Horse must give an ultimate test of their Achilles Heel to achieve the “on paper” predictions for a fantastic outcome. Will Ferrari be able to pull off a blinder?

It has been more than a year since Ferrari hasn’t brought home the victory. Although there have been a few occasions where they have put a win in a bag and handed it to Max Verstappen, the Hungarian Grand Prix last year belonged entirely to Charles Leclerc. However, Ferrari’s decision to use hard compounds on Leclerc’s F1-75 caused him to finish the race in P6.

Ferrari, nevertheless, doesn’t appear to have learned from its lessons this season, as the team has found itself in serious trouble as a result of strategic errors, race pace issues, and its Achilles Heel, the tire wear difficulties. Ferrari, which is currently fourth in the constructors’ standings, is heading to Budapest in the hopes of repeating last year’s achievement, albeit with somewhat better outcomes. However, given that Ferrari has been having tire problems and that different circuits affect SF23’s performance a different way, the Hungarian Grand Prix is predicted to advantage Ferrari.

The team will now shift to the cramped, tightly winding Hungaroring track where the temperature is expected to rise over 40 degrees celsius, which could prove to be a deciding factor in Ferrari’s performance after leaving the high-speed sweeps of the British track. Given that the tire wear issue may appear better with higher temperatures, Ferrari can proceed with full force.

After earning a miserable P9 at the British track, an optimistic Leclerc told the reporters ahead of Friday’s session at Budapest, “On paper it looks better than Silverstone, then we have very hot conditions. here the tire deg is super important, we have to work to get ready for the race on Sunday.” Later he added, “It looks very difficult for the tyre deg.” 

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With the latest enhancements arriving, in addition to the fact that the track temperature is going to play a significant role, Charles Leclerc revealed another factor that might be a crucial in deciding Ferrari’s weekend in Budapest.

Optimistic Charles Leclerc reveals the distinct aspect that might be significant in Ferrari’s adventure in Hungary

The unpredictable nature of the SF-23 has hindered Ferrari’s season thus far. While initially, the crew found it difficult to understand it, Leclerc now claims, that the Scuderia has found the right nerve and is able to anticipate its nature beforehand.

As per Planet F1, the Monegasque said, “I think now we kind of understand when we are going to struggle. Unfortunately, Silverstone was one of those. We knew that, on paper, it wasn’t going to be a great weekend for us.”

He continued by revealing the additional problem that might be crucial in determining how Ferrari’s weekend is framed. He said, “The wind conditions are a big thing and for us, it has a big influence – probably bigger than any of the other cars on the grid.” While wrapping up the conversation Leclerc showed his optimism and said, “We’ve already seen the positive steps of going in that direction and now we just need to keep pushing.”

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Do you think Charles Leclerc and Co. can manage to exploit the conditions and pull off an amazing weekend?