Leclerc’s Mixed Feelings: Fast but Unsettled in Singapore GP Practice

Charles Leclerc acknowledges that the Ferrari F1 vehicle did not perform as he had hoped during Friday's practice session.

"The vehicle wasn't quite up to my expectations. We still need to make some enhancements."

Charles Leclerc has acknowledged that his Ferrari F1 vehicle "wasn't quite up to his expectations" even though he recorded the second quickest lap during Friday's practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix.

Leclerc narrowly missed Lando Norris' leading time by less than one-tenth of a second, creating a substantial gap ahead of Carlos Sainz.

Reflecting on his experience at the Marina Bay Street Circuit on Friday, Leclerc acknowledged that Ferrari cannot simply depend on having a successful Friday.

"Leclerc expressed satisfaction yet acknowledged the need for further improvements, stating, 'While it was a positive experience, there's more effort required. The car hasn't fully met my expectations yet. We need to enhance its performance. Additionally, the weather predictions for the upcoming days are quite unpredictable."

"We must adjust swiftly. Depending on a successful Friday isn't an option. Having had a successful Friday is beneficial, as it's always preferable to a poor one. It serves as a solid foundation. Nonetheless, we must continue to advance."

"We just need to fine-tune the car's balance and sync up all aspects of driving. If we manage that, we should be well-positioned for tomorrow."

Leclerc outpaced Sainz by half a second to take third, with Mercedes and Red Bull lagging behind in speed.

Therefore, he anticipates that Ferrari's competitors will be significantly nearer in the qualifying rounds.

"Leclerc mentioned, 'We're contenders, but time will tell.' He expressed his desire for the current standings to remain consistent into the next day, adding, 'It would astonish me if our lead today, especially the distance between me and the third position, stayed the same.'"

"I think everyone will be more united tomorrow. The competition will be more intense. Following that, we'll need to ascertain if it alters the hierarchy or not."

Sainz attributed his lag behind Leclerc to problems with his brakes.

He described the issue, stating, "It has emerged as a significant discussion point within our team this year. We've encountered brake problems, typically on Fridays, and today I experienced them firsthand. During the second practice session, I dealt with erratic brake performance, including during laps and outlaps, leading to numerous challenges. This situation certainly doesn't aid in building confidence or in getting ready for the race weekend."

"I'm not worried about getting everything organized tomorrow."

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