Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz faced disappointment at the Silverstone Grand Prix as they slipped from fourth and fifth on the starting grid to finish ninth and tenth. The team’s strategy has come under fire, but Sainz defended the decision, describing it as a “50-50” call. Instead, he attributed their struggles to the unpredictable nature of the car, which was further exacerbated by strong winds. The gusts caused the car to become unsettled, with Sainz revealing that his lap times could vary by 0.4 seconds depending on the wind. Despite Ferrari’s efforts to improve the car with a revised floor for the Miami Grand Prix, the SF-23 remained challenging to handle in these conditions. Sainz acknowledged that traction was a major issue, especially with the harder tires. He emphasized that Ferrari is aware of this weakness and is committed to developing and making improvements.
Ferrari’s Vulnerability to Varying Conditions
Ferrari’s susceptibility to changing conditions presents a significant challenge for the team. Sainz admitted that their performance is heavily influenced by factors such as wind, track conditions, and temperature. This dependence on external variables exposes them to potential difficulties on different circuits. The tire degradation, wind sensitivity, and unpredictability of the car all contribute to the team’s vulnerability. Sainz highlighted that even a gust of wind could significantly impact lap times, making consistency a major challenge. Ferrari acknowledges the need to address these issues and will continue to focus on improving the car’s performance in varying conditions.
The Car’s Weakness in High-Speed Corners
Leclerc added that Ferrari’s car struggles, particularly in high-speed corners. Operating outside of its sweet spot can make the car “extremely difficult” to handle. The team recognizes that there is still a long way to go in terms of adapting to changing conditions. Leclerc specifically pointed out the impact of wind on the car’s performance, stating that any change in wind conditions can pose significant challenges. Despite making progress in addressing these issues, Leclerc acknowledged that there are still significant steps to be taken. The weaknesses of the car, particularly in high-speed corners, were expected at the Silverstone circuit. However, Ferrari remains committed to development efforts, particularly in improving performance in these challenging areas.
In summary, Ferrari’s disappointing performance at the Silverstone Grand Prix highlighted the team’s struggle with the car’s sensitivity to varying conditions. Both Sainz and Leclerc emphasized the impact of wind on the car’s performance and acknowledged the challenges it poses. Ferrari understands the weaknesses of their car and is actively working towards improvements. While the team faced setbacks at Silverstone, they remain determined to overcome these challenges and enhance their performance in future races.
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