Despite being one of Formula 1’s top drivers, Charles Leclerc has faced challenges in the 2024 season. His struggles have been particularly evident during qualifying sessions, where he has failed to match his previous tally of 23 pole positions. The Monegasque driver, who races for Ferrari, has found himself at a disadvantage compared to his teammate Carlos Sainz who has already secured a race win this year and currently sits second in the championship standings.
As per formula1.com, Leclerc compared his car with McLaren and said, “However, we didn’t drive on the hard [during the weekend] until now and once we put the hard on we were slower than what we expected, so that was a big surprise. Especially McLaren were very, very strong on the hard.”
What Went Wrong for Charles Leclerc?
Leclerc’s struggles with hard tires have surprised many, considering that tire management has been one of his strengths throughout his career. In previous seasons, he demonstrated exceptional control and adaptability, especially during races. However, the 2024 season has seen him grapple with the demands of the harder tire compounds.
Charles Leclerc’s difficulties stem from the performance of the Ferrari SF-23. While the team made significant off-season improvements, consistency remains an issue. Leclerc’s weakness on hard tires has become a point of concern. In contrast, Sainz Jr. has managed to extract more pace from the same car, giving him an edge over his teammate.
Charles Leclerc’s struggle with speed on hard tires is a puzzle for Ferrari. As the team evaluates its options for the future, Leclerc must rediscover his tire management prowess to remain competitive. Whether he can overcome this challenge and regain his form remains to be seen.
READ MORE: Carlos Sainz Blames Himself for Sprint Race Shortfall
