Leclerc Upbeat in Vegas: Ferrari 'Not in a Bad Place' Despite Gearbox Scare

Charles Leclerc expressed optimism about Ferrari's performance in Las Vegas, stating the team is 'not in a bad place' after a strong showing on the opening day, despite a minor gearbox issue in FP2. This positive start follows a challenging weekend in Brazil, signaling a potential turnaround for the Scuderia under the neon lights of the Strip Circuit.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's inconsistent 2023 season has been a point of concern, exacerbated by recent criticism from the team's chairman. A strong performance in Las Vegas, especially after a dismal outing in Brazil, could provide a much-needed morale boost and demonstrate the team's ability to adapt and compete at the sharp end, vital for their championship aspirations.

The details:

• Strong Opening Day: Leclerc topped FP1 and secured third in FP2, indicating a significant improvement from the previous race in Brazil, where the SF-23 struggled with ride height and heat.
• Gearbox Concern: Leclerc's FP2 session concluded early due to a gearbox issue at Turn 5. However, he downplayed the incident as a "misunderstanding," assuring that it would be "all fine."
• Competitive Outlook: Leclerc believes Ferrari is in a good position to fight for pole, acknowledging strong competition from Mercedes, McLaren, and Red Bull. He noted that the pace was "strong today."
• Overnight Adjustments: Leclerc plans to make car adjustments to anticipate Saturday's conditions, aiming to improve the car further. He has "pretty clear ideas" for changes.

Between the lines:

While Leclerc is confident, the brief gearbox scare serves as a reminder of Ferrari's recurring reliability challenges, which have plagued their season. However, the quick dismissal of the issue suggests an internal belief that it was minor and manageable, preventing a larger ripple effect on team morale. The focus on adapting to conditions and making 'right choices' for car setup highlights the team's proactive approach to optimizing performance on a unique street circuit.

What's next:

Ferrari will continue to fine-tune their car overnight, taking into account the unique conditions of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Their goal is to maintain the strong pace shown in practice and convert it into a competitive qualifying performance, hopefully challenging for pole position. The coming sessions will reveal whether Ferrari can sustain this positive momentum and deliver a strong result in a critical phase of the season.