Charles Leclerc has raised concerns that Ferrari’s improvements in tyre management could affect the team’s performance at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite the progress made this season.
Ferrari faced significant tyre wear and overheating issues in 2023, but this year, the team has made strides in improving its tyre management and overall race pace. While this has made Ferrari more competitive across a variety of circuits, Leclerc believes it might impact their chances at Las Vegas, where cold conditions previously worked in their favour.
During last year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, Ferrari’s quick tyre warm-up was a key strength, allowing Leclerc and teammate Carlos Sainz to lock out the front row. Although Sainz fought back to finish sixth after a grid penalty, Leclerc looked poised to secure his first and only win of the season before a safety car bunched up the field, allowing Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to take control.
Leclerc admits that Ferrari’s tyre improvements may pose a challenge in colder conditions like those seen in Las Vegas. Reflecting on the recent Brazilian Grand Prix, where Ferrari struggled with pace on the wet and cooler Interlagos circuit, Leclerc said, “We were very strong last year, so I hope we can be as strong. However, we’ve made a big step in tyre management this year, which means we’ve left something behind in cold conditions. Las Vegas is similar to that scenario.”
Leclerc expressed optimism that Ferrari could adjust in time for the Las Vegas race, adding, “Let’s hope we can work in the next two weeks to prepare and be at a good level in Las Vegas. The track characteristics are better for our car, but it might be trickier for us to get the tyres into the right temperature.”
Looking ahead to the remainder of the season, Leclerc acknowledged that Ferrari may struggle in Qatar, which is expected to suit McLaren’s high-speed capabilities. “Qatar will be a bit more difficult for us, but it will be about damage limitation,” he said. “Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi are the two races where we think we can do well.”
Sainz, who saw the gap to McLaren increase to 46 points after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, remains hopeful and determined. “We will be alive until the very end. We have three important weekends ahead, and we need to refocus and regroup to make the most out of these last three races,” he said.
With Ferrari aiming to close the gap to McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship, the final three races of the season will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the title battle.
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