Ferrari’s Floor Gamble: Leclerc Optimistic About Fixing Bouncing Issues at Hungarian GP

Analysis: Ferrari Strikes Back in F1 Development Race at Hungarian GP

Charles Leclerc Talks About Floor Changes – Can It Solve Ferrari's Bouncing Issue?

Charles Leclerc has shared his thoughts on the new floor design that Ferrari introduced for the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix.

A significant upgrade package introduced in Spain last month failed to achieve the intended results. While Ferrari managed to increase downforce, their new floor design resulted in a bouncing issue.

At Silverstone, the team decided to abandon the newest floor design and revert to using the previous version.

Ferrari comes to the Hungaroring intending to continue using the updated floor design, which they believe will address the persistent bouncing issues.

"We've been preparing thoroughly," Leclerc stated while in Hungary, where Crash.net is present in the paddock.

"By experimenting with radical setups in the recent races, I've gained a lot of insights. The break between races allowed us to draw conclusions and decide on our approach for this weekend."

Leclerc stated: "I believe this isn't the circuit where the bouncing is most noticeable."

"We have measurements and, based on the last three or four races, we have indicators that can show us if we're moving in the right direction. I believe this will be sufficient to determine that."

"Nevertheless, the challenge at Spa will be even greater. Still, I firmly believe that the insights we've gained over the past few races will benefit us moving forward, regardless of the track we are on."

“We will take a step forward from this point onward.”

Leclerc was questioned about whether Ferrari intends to employ varying floor designs at different tracks.

However, he stated, "At the moment, I don't foresee that. Having varied levels for different types of tracks is certainly not among our current objectives."

"The primary purpose of the new component is to enhance the bouncing effect rather than increasing the sharpness."

"The tendency for peakiness has never posed an issue. Naturally, there's more peakiness when you're dealing with bouncing as it causes everything to jump around, but the real problem lies in the bouncing itself, not the peakiness."

Ferrari is not the initial Formula 1 team to introduce an upgraded floor this season.

Mercedes showcased their new floor design in Miami, while Red Bull unveiled theirs two weeks earlier at Silverstone.

Leclerc was questioned about whether there is a maximum threshold for floor upgrades that would hinder significant improvements.

"The engineers likely have more knowledge than I do, but it's clear that there are opportunities to make things better," he remarked. "The floor of those cars is incredibly influential, and it's a key area where significant gains can be achieved."

"At this point, there's less space for improvement since we've been operating under the same regulations for several years."

“This remains a key focus for our team. However, the finer points can have a significant impact.”

“We observed a significant increase in bouncing with the Barcelona setup, despite only minor modifications.”

"Even a minor adjustment can cause bouncing, leading to significant outcomes, but if executed correctly, the benefits are substantial. We can't afford to play it safe in this aspect; we need to drive development in these areas."

"Results come at a cost, but they bring wisdom."

Leclerc holds the third position in the F1 championship standings, trailing by 105 points behind the leading Max Verstappen as they approach the race in Hungary this weekend.

So far this season, his highlight has been clinching his first victory at his hometown race in Monaco.

Leclerc mentioned that he believed their progress had been very strong up until the Monaco race.

"I've mentioned repeatedly that from Monza last year to Monaco this year, we've likely been the team that has advanced the most. Our rate of improvement has been exceptional."

"We then traveled to Montreal, where we encountered problems with the power unit during the race, which clearly affected our chances of achieving a strong finish."

"The pivotal moment likely occurred from Barcelona onwards, where we clearly experienced an upgrade that significantly increased the bouncing."

"From that point forward, I made significant adjustments to the set-up in an effort to address those problems, but the results have suffered as a consequence."

"Nevertheless, we acquire substantial knowledge regarding these matters, and I believe it will assist us in recovering starting this weekend."

"It's crucial for us to minimize race losses to grasp the problems, but I believe we now have a clearer understanding of those issues."

"I believe that from this race forward, things will improve, allowing us to maximize points here, in Spa, and throughout the remainder of the season."

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