While Red Bull’s chief adviser Helmut Marko is still too worried after Ferrari’s dominant display at Friday’s Australian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc’s adventure caught his eye.
Red Bull came into the Australian GP with full momentum after taking a comfortable one-two finish at the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs, with Max Verstappen ahead of Sergio Perez on two occasions, although Leclerc explained why Red Bull might not take the credit. Such an impulse. An abundant source of respite this time in Albert Park.
Leclerc set the tone for FP2 and, by some margin, the Ferrari driver was 0. 4sec quicker than second-placed Verstappen when the chequered flag appeared.
However, Marko believes that engine modes may well reach this margin.
“I, Ferrari, used all the strength in the qualifying simulation, we didn’t,” he told Sky Germany.
That said, Marko doesn’t see Ferrari as a risk this weekend in Melbourne.
So far, Red Bull has become accustomed in F1 2024 to having a race weekend, making sure to finish it first, with the RB20 excelling in Grand Prix conditions.
However, Marko wonders if Red Bull will pull away from nearest rivals Ferrari this time around, having found Leclerc’s race simulation on Friday to be “very impressive”.
“That’s why I don’t make the critical hole, but Leclerc’s long run has been very impressive,” Marko continued.
“Our set-up is still smart, but the car is bad, [although] Leclerc has set a speed, which means we still want to fine-tune. “
“Generally speaking, it has to be said that the floor is getting closer and closer. “
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Leclerc was looking to keep his optimism in check, while also looking for qualifying and the race in Australia, he still believes Red Bull has the advantage, and he also believes it may be Ferrari’s “best opportunity” yet to claim. victory in F1 2024.
“I will say we are in a better position than in the first two races,” Leclerc told Sky F1. “However, Red Bull wasn’t attacking yet.
“So we have to wait and see where their prospects are, but I think they’re still ahead. But we may have our most productive chance since the start of the season this weekend. “
Ferrari has been on both podiums this season, with Carlos Sainz completing third in Bahrain, while Leclerc took that spot in Saudi Arabia.
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