Confidence boosted by Ferrari and Alpine underperformance
After a nightmarish stopover in China, the drivers of the 2 teams are ready to do battle on one of the most legendary circuits on the calendar. At the traditional Thursday press conference, Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly discussed the challenges of Suzuka, the lessons learned from previous races and their respective ambitions for this crucial weekend.
As the paddock settles in Suzuka for the third meeting of the season, two historic teams are looking to bounce back after disappointing performances in China. Ferrari and Alpine arrive in Japan with renewed determination and drivers ready to give their all at Suzuka.
Ferrari and Leclerc: « One always learns from their mistakes »
The Maranello team, which had a good start during the sprint event in China, was disqualified from the main race. A hard blow indeed, but Charles Leclerc remains on the lookout. « I’m rather confident this week because we always learn from our mistakes. »
The Monegasque driver displayed a clear ambition, highlighting that Suzuka could be a favorable playground for the Scuderia. « We have made significant progress with the car, and Suzuka is a circuit that, I believe, suits our characteristics well. We will give it our all to challenge Red Bull and bring back big points to Maranello. »
Leclerc also mentioned the importance of strategy and tire management, key elements for success on this abrasive circuit. He revealed that the team would review its internal control processes and change certain things, as the safety margins in China were not very large, and some operations in car preparation would therefore be modified to prevent a similar situation from occurring again, confirming that it was the combination of several factors. He concluded on this point by assuring that the team had taken corrective measures and that these errors should not be expected to repeat, while acknowledging that the pressure is constant in a sport where every detail matters.
Alpine and Gasly: « Every point counts »
Pierre Gasly started the conference with a sly smile, skillfully dodging a journalist’s question about his stint at Red Bull in 2019. A subtle reminder of the lessons learned and the journey traveled since then. This moment of mild tension quickly gave way to a complete focus on Alpine’s current challenges.
The number 10 emphasized the importance of the team’s progression: « We need to continue progressing and finding solutions to improve the car’s performance. Suzuka is a technical circuit where driving matters, and I will give it my all to extract the maximum from the car. We are working hard to build a solid future, and every point counts. » Gasly’s goal is to showcase his team’s potential and stand out in a competitive environment.
The Frenchman remains confident, having a good package and the necessary performance to fight in the top 10. He reminds that the season is just beginning and that nothing is decided yet. During the winter, everyone made great strides forward, but everything comes down to precise details, he concluded.
