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Ferrari’s Improvement in Pace in Baku Explained After Charles Leclerc Registers First Podium for the Team

Vidit Dhawan
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Ferrari's Improvement in Pace in Baku Explained After Charles Leclerc Registers First Podium for the Team in 2023

Ferrari produced a strong performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as Charles Leclerc registered the team’s first podium of the season, while Carlos Sainz beat both Mercedes drivers to finish fifth. As per reports, the team’s improved performance is down to them having worked on a key aspect that was hampering their progress at the start of this season.

According to Formu1a.uno, Ferrari reduced the height of their car to reduce the porpoising effect. The report states that the Prancing Horse had a significant difference between their qualifying and race pace, as their race cars were much higher than what it was in qualifying. Hence, by reducing the height of their race car, they were also able to improve their pace.

Fred Vasseur gives his thoughts on Ferrari’s improvement

In his post-race interview (as quoted by Formu1a.uno), Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur gave his thoughts on his team’s performance. “I can only be very happy. It was a good weekend with two poles and a podium. We have taken a step forward,” he explained.

When pressed further to explain how Ferrari found better pace in Baku, Vasseur hilariously replied with a chuckle, “Do you think I’ll give you the answer“? The French team principal would be a relieved man as after a difficult start to the new season, he finally achieved his first podium with the side.

 

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Ferrari close the gap to Mercedes in the championship

Despite registering a third and fifth-place finish in Baku, Ferrari continue to remain fourth in the championship. This is a testament to how bad their start of the season has been.

However, the team’s improved results this past weekend helped them increase their points tally to 62 and reduce the gap to third-placed Mercedes (76) to just 14 points. And when it comes to championship leaders Red Bull, it seems that no team will catch them as the Milton Keynes outfit have already registered a whopping 180 points.

When it comes to the Drivers’ Championship, Charles Leclerc‘s fantastic podium finish helped him move up to sixth with 28 points. He is now just six points behind his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz, who is currently fifth in the championship.

Now after a solid performance in Baku, Ferrari will hope to continue their dominance at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix. The race at the Miami International Autodrome will take place from May 5 to 7.

About the author

Vidit Dhawan

Vidit Dhawan

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Vidit Dhawan, a Formula 1 Editor at The SportsRush, is intrinsically connected with everything around the sport — from the engine roar, the cacophony on the grandstands to the action. He fell in love with F1 during the inaugural Indian GP in 2011. After more than a decade of deep engagement with the sport, Vidit insists he will remain a lifelong fan of Fernando Alonso, and sees the future of F1 in Charles Leclerc. A sports fanatic from childhood, he discovered his passion for writing while pursuing a bachelor's degree in international and global studies. Vidit has written over 1,700 articles, ranging from news reports to opinions. He thrives covering live action, and loves to dig into the contrasting personalities in the F1 bandwagon and narrate their journey in life as well as the sport. Vidit also follows tennis and football, enjoys playing as well as coaching chess.

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