Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz target final race of 2024 for constructors’ title | F1 News

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are aiming to win the constructors’ championship for Ferrari after a two-to-one deficit at america Grand Prix put the Italian group again in rivalry.

An thrilling and contentious battle for third place between Drivers’ Championship contenders Max Verstappen and Lando Norris dominated each the race and post-race , Ferrari’s sensible efficiency in Austin on Sunday was one thing of an afterthought.

Leclerc inherited the lead into the primary nook as Verstappen and Norris pulled themselves to the skin and Leclerc by no means regarded like relinquishing the lead because the Ferrari eased away from the sector.

Sainz emphasised Ferrari’s tempo by taking third on the opening nook, simply overtaking Verstappen and effectively forward of the pair of title contenders.

With 5 rounds left within the season, together with dash weekends in Brazil and Qatar, and extra factors, Ferrari’s factors hole with McLaren is near 48 factors, simply eight factors behind Purple Bull.

Given the consistency of McLaren’s automotive and driver, Purple Bull have been unable to depend on Verstappen’s team-mate Sergio Perez to attain vital factors as they overtook Purple Bull, and the constructors’ title vacation spot seems to be a mere formality. .

Nevertheless, Ferrari’s efficiency at extra conventional F1 circuits suggests they’re more likely to put stress on Woking for the rest of the season.

Leclerc and Sainz set ‘optimistic objectives’

After claiming his third win of the season, Leclerc informed Sky Sports activities F1 Chasing McLaren is now his foremost purpose.

“That is the purpose,” he mentioned. “I actually hope we are able to do this for the remainder of the season after which hopefully we are able to win the constructors’ championship.

“It is an optimistic purpose however I would slightly have a look at it that means than goal for the rest. We’ll attempt to get there and see the place we find yourself on the finish of the season.”

Sainz additionally spoke Sky Sports activities F1Say, “Targets are supposed to be achieved.

“I believe McLaren undoubtedly have the higher hand with the factors benefit, however on the similar time we’re not far sufficient away from them to really feel snug, particularly if we proceed to have races like this.”

Ferrari group principal Frederic Vasseur refused to precise the identical objectives as his driver instantly after america Grand Prix.

“Concentrate on the events first, after which we’ll have a look at Mexico. I believe that is the proper factor to do,” he mentioned.

The place is Ferrari more than likely to impress once more?

The 2024 Components One season has seen important fluctuations within the type of the 4 championship-winning groups – Purple Bull, Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes.

How completely different automobiles adapt to completely different tracks performs an enormous position, however equally vital is the problem of implementing the upgrades and having the ability to extract efficiency from them instantly.

Some suspect Ferrari’s sturdy efficiency in Austin is partly right down to the truth that three different 2024 race winners are utilizing upgraded parts, whereas the Italian group has had time to get used to the components they delivered to Monza in early September.

Requested how a lot Ferrari might obtain between now and the top of the season, Leclerc mentioned: “I want I might inform you precisely, nevertheless it’s at all times troublesome as a result of we depend on very small gaps and that could possibly be It makes an enormous distinction, so it is arduous to foretell the place we’ll be within the subsequent few video games.

“Nevertheless, we mentioned that because the two or three races at Monza, Baku and Singapore now we have introduced some upgrades and now we have been ready for Austin as a result of that would be the actual take a look at of these upgrades. They appear to be going effectively , which is optimistic for the long run.

“That does not imply we will be like right here each Sunday, nevertheless it means we’re stepping into the proper path and that may solely be optimistic. So, I hope we are able to repeat this end result extra typically typically.

Sainz was prepared to get extra particular, pointing to Mexico and Las Vegas as tracks the place he thought the SF-24 might excel, but additionally expressed issues about Qatar.

“If I needed to guess, I would say Mexico and Vegas are each good tracks primarily based on final 12 months,” Sainz mentioned. “I am constructing on final 12 months. Every thing appears a little bit completely different this 12 months.

“Then I believe Qatar goes to be our bogey observe if I needed to guess once more.

“I am undecided what we are able to obtain in Abu Dhabi, however we’ll see. I simply hope we are able to present that rhythm once more earlier than the top of the season and provides me one other likelihood to maneuver on.”

Vasseur expects extra upgrades earlier than season ends

Vasseur was as soon as once more much less forthcoming than his driver on Ferrari’s prospects, insisting the group should “maintain calm” amid the potential for additional fluctuations within the standings.

“We’re in a troublesome battle with 4 groups that nobody might have predicted,” he mentioned.

“Lewis (Hamilton) was flying within the (dash) race earlier than the yellow flag till Flip 12 when he was a couple of miles forward after which disappeared a little bit bit over the weekend.

“You might have a number of weekends like this. I bear in mind Spa clearly when Purple Bull have been six tenths forward in FP1, then McLaren, then us ranging from pole place after which Mercedes profitable the championship race. .

“Which means we at all times must maintain our ft on the bottom and keep calm. Each recreation is completely different, each recreation is completely different. Simply since you’re in good condition this weekend, it doesn’t suggest you are going to fly subsequent week​ OK.”

Groups not often make in depth upgrades past this stage of the season, with the deal with manufacturing facility switching to subsequent 12 months’s automotive, however Vasseur mentioned new Ferrari components could possibly be rolled out by Qatar’s penultimate race of the 12 months.

The Frenchman appeared to rule out utilizing new components in Mexico because of the challenges posed by the observe’s excessive altitude, however left the door open after that.

“The following one is a one-off, associated to altitude,” he added. “This can be a large problem for braking and engine cooling.

“I believe Brazil could be extra in step with that.

“As for the improve, if now we have good choices, we’ll attempt to convey one thing, nevertheless it may not be Las Vegas however Qatar.”

Sky Sports activities F1 Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix dwell schedule

Thursday, October 24
9pm: Drivers press convention

Friday, October 25
7pm: Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix observe one (race begins at 7.30pm)
9pm: F1 Present
10.45pm: Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix observe two (begins at 11pm)*

Saturday, October 26
6.15pm: Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix observe three (begins at 6.30pm)
9pm: Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix qualifying preparations*
10pm: Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix qualifying*

Sunday, October 27
6.30pm: Sunday Grand Prix: Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix preparation*
8pm: Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix*
10pm: Checkered Flag: Reactions to Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix

*Additionally dwell on Sky Sports activities Most important Occasion (recreation begins at 7.30pm on Sunday)

The Components 1 Americas tripleheader continues subsequent weekend with the Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix, which will probably be broadcast dwell on Sky Sports activities F1, with each race going down. Watch every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Monthly Membership – no contract, cancel anytime