CHARLES LECLERC SUMMED UP FERRARI’S SITUATION heading into the new world championship campaign in a couple of sentences in one answer at the launch of its new car this year.
“2022 was a good step forward compared with the two difficult years of 2020 and 2021,” Leclerc said, “but we finished second in both championships.
“I think we’ve done a great job on the new car trying to address the weaknesses of last year’s car. The goal is to win, clearly. It’s what motivates me and all the team. I’m really looking forward to getting back in the car and trying to win that championship.”
In one way, Leclerc’s remarks reflect his character, which has always been open and straightforward. In another, perhaps they are also indicative of a new start for Ferrari this year.
The same two drivers, yes, but there is a new team boss in Frédéric Vasseur, and one who has employed a similar directness in the few short weeks he has been in position. Ferrari’s weaknesses last year were obvious, it was pointed out to Vasseur in his first meeting with the media. Reliability and car development were not good enough, and there were too many strategy errors.
Vasseur met the question head-on, with a smile.
“Thank you for doing my analysis for me,” he said, before going on to
