P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Why Ferrari might not repeat Melbourne F1 form in Japan
Fans worldwide are eager for a fierce competition between the two teams, especially following Carlos Sainz’s win at the Australian Grand Prix due to Max Verstappen’s early exit, leaving the question of a head-to-head battle unanswered. Red Bull may hold an advantage on Honda’s home turf, with Ferrari’s quest for wins possibly delayed until a more favorable circuit emerges. Nevertheless, Ferrari has significantly improved compared to its performance in Suzuka last September, with the SF-24 demonstrating enhanced consistency and speed in high-speed corners, a crucial feature of the upcoming race track.
Carlos Sainz maintains a realistic perspective, acknowledging that Ferrari still trails behind Red Bull by a few tenths and requires further upgrades to challenge for victory, particularly on tracks like Suzuka. Despite a minor rear-end update in the works, Sainz praises the team’s progress this season.
Charles Leclerc anticipates Red Bull’s continued dominance in Japan, pointing out a unique advantage that favored Ferrari in the previous race but may not apply this time around. He stresses the importance of accumulating points until additional improvements can bolster their competitiveness against Red Bull.
The competition at Suzuka will provide a clearer understanding of the competitive hierarchy on a balanced track with varying corner types, according to some observers. Leclerc emphasizes the significance of showcasing the car’s true potential on all tracks and highlights the strategic focus on maximizing points until upgrades enhance their race-day performance.
