Ferrari’s Canadian Grand Prix Quandary: Leclerc and Sainz Baffled by Unexpected Q2 Exit

Why did Ferrari falter? Drivers puzzled by unexpected dual Q2 departure

Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz found themselves perplexed by their unexpected elimination in Q2 during the Canadian Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz couldn't account for Ferrari's disappointing showing during the qualifying round at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix.

Following their previous success in Monaco, Ferrari came to Montreal with high hopes of contending for another win. The circuit there was anticipated to be favorable for their 2024 car, boosting their confidence.

However, Ferrari was unable to secure a top-10 qualifying position for either of its vehicles, with Leclerc and his teammate Sainz being eliminated in Q2, finishing 11th and 12th respectively.

"Everything will be examined," Leclerc mentioned to Sky F1. "Clearly, being eliminated in Q2 is not satisfying, and we intend to investigate the matter.

"In my opinion, the most significant problem was our lack of speed. Whenever the weather was clear, we just couldn't keep up, and we definitely need to investigate this issue further."

"We're still trying to figure it out. Since FP3, our performance has significantly dropped, so we need to investigate."

When questioned about the car's performance, Leclerc replied, "It's terrible. Just terrible. There's absolutely no traction, and the tyres always felt like they weren't prepared. That's the main issue."

The Ferrari team deployed their single set of fresh soft tires for both of their drivers at the beginning of Q2, expecting rainfall to occur later in the session.

However, the absence of rain resulted in Leclerc and Sainz having to compete on worn soft tires during the optimum track conditions.

Sainz concurred with his colleague's observations, believing that Ferrari would have benefitted more from preserving their new tire set for the latter part of Q2.

"The Spaniard mentioned, "Had we executed flawlessly by using the new tire towards the end of Q2 instead of the start, and had a smoother final turn, reaching Q3 today might have been achievable."

"The truth of the matter is that margins were incredibly slim throughout the day, leading to a situation where any deviation from perfection resulted in elimination in Q2, a position far below Ferrari's aspirations."

"When you fail to execute these tasks flawlessly and lack a speedy vehicle, that's when you find yourself at a disadvantage."

In a conversation with Sky Sports F1, Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, mentioned: "The speed was satisfactory in both the wet and dry conditions yesterday.

"However, transitioning from this morning, we found it somewhat more challenging to get the tyres ready for Turn 1, as we're forfeiting over half of the difference in that initial turn."

The competition is closely contested. By the day's conclusion, Perez finds himself in 16th position, where a mere difference of one or two tenths could mean elimination. Carlos managed to outpace Charles by three tenths at the final corner, prior to making an error. While the situation remains as it is, we should take satisfaction in the intensity of the battle.

"Undoubtedly, being in 11th and 12th place leaves one feeling discontented."

Explore Further

Recent Updates

Recent Updates

Site Navigation

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Reproducing the content, whether partially or in its entirety, including text, photos, or drawings, is strictly prohibited in any manner