Charles Leclerc has insisted that Ferrari’s SF-24 feels “healthier” than its predecessor following a series of installation laps at Fiorano.
Ferrari launched its new challenger earlier this week before taking to the track to complete its initial shakedown ahead of pre-season testing.
The Italian squad endured a difficult campaign last year, slipping to third place in the Constructors’ Championship having entered the season hoping to contend for the World Championship.
The Ferrari challenger from last term offered a series of issues for the drivers, namely its mid-corner unpredictability.
When asked by media including RacingNews365 to compare his installation laps from 2023 to this year, Leclerc said: “I’m trying to remember.
“I remember that after the first lap last year, or if it wasn't the first lap, it was the first three or four laps, I wasn’t really happy with the behaviour of the car.
“The car was very, very difficult to drive. This year, the car feels healthier and in a better place.”
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However, Leclerc was adamant that the initial strong feeling behind the cockpit does not mean Ferrari is guaranteed to be competitive at the start of the season.
“On the other hand, I want to push on the point that doesn't mean anything [for] the competitiveness of the car,” he said.
“If other teams have done bigger steps forward in terms of lap time gains, then it can be an easier car to drive - but if it's not fast enough, it won't be fast enough on track.
“So in terms of competitiveness, it's very difficult - in terms of actual feeling of the very first laps, I will say I've had a better feeling this year than I did last year.”
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