Leclerc Aims for Abu Dhabi Podium to Avoid 'Depressing' Ferrari F1 Send-Off
Charles Leclerc is pushing for a podium finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, describing it as essential to prevent a "quite depressing" conclusion to Ferrari's challenging F1 season. After a difficult run, including struggles in Qatar, Leclerc acknowledges a win is unlikely but believes a top-three finish would provide vital happiness and momentum for the team heading into the winter break, following a year without a Grand Prix victory.
Charles Leclerc is hoping for a podium finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to lift Ferrari's spirits and avoid a "quite depressing" end to the F1 season, following a challenging run of races.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's 2023 season has been largely below expectations, with the team set to finish fourth in the Constructors' Championship without a single Grand Prix win. A strong performance in the final race could provide a much-needed psychological boost for the team and its drivers as they head into the winter break and prepare for the 2024 season. It's about ending on a high note and carrying some positive momentum forward.
The details:
- Both Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton (who is mentioned in the original context but seems to be a mistake as Hamilton is not a Ferrari driver and likely refers to Carlos Sainz or another competitor in Leclerc's general reference to rivals) faced significant struggles at the Qatar Grand Prix, with Leclerc finishing eighth.
- Leclerc experienced a high-speed spin in Q3 during qualifying in Qatar, highlighting the SF-23's difficulties with grip and overall performance.
- Ferrari has not secured a Grand Prix win this season, and a victory at Yas Marina is considered "unrealistic" by Leclerc.
- However, Leclerc believes a podium finish is achievable and crucial for the team's morale before the winter break.
Between the lines:
Leclerc's comments reveal the significant pressure and disappointment within the Ferrari camp after a season that failed to deliver on championship aspirations. His desire for a podium is not just about individual performance but about providing a psychological lift to the entire team, whose hard work has not translated into consistent top results. It reflects a deeper need to validate their efforts and reset expectations positively for the next season.
What's next:
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix represents Ferrari's final opportunity in 2023 to demonstrate competitive pace and secure a strong result. A podium finish, while not a win, would be a significant morale booster and a positive note to conclude a challenging year. The team will then turn its full attention to developing the 2024 car, hoping to rectify the issues that plagued them this season and mount a more consistent challenge for victories.