During the second practice session at the Yas Marina Circuit, Charles Leclerc set the fastest time. However, due to a crash by Carlos Sainz, few laps were completed and therefore less data was collected than expected. Leclerc therefore remains cautious because an intense battle with Mercedes awaits Ferrari.
“Yes, it was a positive day. I only did one lap on the medium tire and then I went straight to the soft tire compound and it felt good,” Leclerc reflects on his Friday. “It’s a good sign when you start a weekend like this, I hope we have a great weekend.”
And that great weekend will be necessary if Ferrari ultimately wants to finish second in the constructors’ championship. It is currently four points behind Mercedes and George Russell set the fastest time during the first practice session.
“It is true that Mercedes also looks very strong,” said Leclerc. “I don’t know what happened in the second practice session but they looked a little less strong compared to the first practice session, so we still have quite a bit of work to do because we will be competing with them this weekend.”
In recent years, Ferrari has performed inconsistently at the Yas Marina Circuit and Charles Leclerc has not yet ventured to make a prediction.
“I’ll wait a little longer before saying that this is a strong circuit for us!” Leclerc remains cautious. “We still have to prove ourselves in qualifying on Saturday and then tire management will be the biggest challenge of the weekend. We know we have to prepare well for the race and we will do that.”