Charles Leclerc unlocks Ferrari performance with subtle driving adjustments
- Rob Fleming
- 3 August 2023
Charles Leclerc, the Ferrari driver, has divulged the crucial tweaks to his driving style that have led to a significant performance boost in his struggling SF-23 car.
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has revealed how minor alterations to his driving style have proven instrumental in unlocking enhanced performance in the SF-23, a feat that had previously eluded him.
During the recent race at Spa-Francorchamps, Leclerc secured second place in qualifying but was elevated to pole position due to a grid penalty incurred by Max Verstappen of Red Bull.
The Ferrari team had encountered challenges in wet conditions and on high-speed tracks throughout the 2023 Formula 1 season. Leclerc, however, embarked on a journey to mitigate the drawbacks of the SF-23 while capitalizing on its strengths.
Speaking to the media, Leclerc shared, "Honestly, it is very difficult to give the details, because it's very slight changes in terms of driving style. But that makes a big difference in the end. I have a very aggressive driving style, whether it's in full wet or full dry, which pays off in those two conditions.
"But whenever I'm in between with slick tyres, then it doesn't really pay off. And [in Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying] I tried different directions, also with tools, so the way the car is set up and the way I can change it from one corner to the other. This gave me much more confidence straight away, and the lap-time was better."
Additionally, the Scuderia have faced difficulties managing tyre wear during races this season. However, Leclerc expressed optimism regarding signs of improvement in this area after finishing third in the Belgian Grand Prix this past weekend.
"It's a bit too early to say but it's been two or three races where we are managing our tyres better," he explained.
"In terms of tyre management, we didn't have huge degradation, and also looking at the Mercedes [of Lewis Hamilton] behind, I was in control of the pace of my tyres. So on that front, it looked good, we still need to keep an eye on that because sometimes, especially in very specific conditions, we sometimes get out of the right window of the tyres, and then we struggle quite a lot."
As Formula 1 heads into a summer break, the drivers and teams are gearing up for the Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort on 28 August.
With Leclerc's newfound driving prowess and the team's tire management progress, Ferrari aim to make a strong showing in the upcoming race.
