Leclerc Fears Tire Upgrades Will Put Ferrari at a Disadvantage in Las Vegas

Last year’s Formula 1 season saw Ferrari make a major surprise by winning the Las Vegas Grand Prix. However, this year, the “Scuderia” faces a big challenge: will the improvements in tire management cause them to lose the advantage they had on the Las Vegas circuit?

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Ferrari and the Impressive Tire Strategy at Las Vegas 2023

In the 2023 F1 season, Ferrari’s victory at Las Vegas was not just a result of luck but also a perfect combination of strategy and engineering. Specifically, Ferrari made the most of the cold weather conditions, allowing their tires to reach the ideal temperature quickly—an essential factor in their victory. They developed a special type of tire that heated up rapidly, helping Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz maintain a competitive pace from the very first laps. However, as the season progresses, changes in regulations and competitors’ strategies may erode Ferrari’s edge.

Leclerc Concerns Over Ferrari’s Tire Advantage

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s lead driver, has expressed his concerns about the team’s competitiveness at Las Vegas this year. While the “Red Bull” still has a strong car, improvements in tire management could undermine stability in the cold track conditions typical of Las Vegas. Leclerc acknowledged that although Ferrari has made progress in optimizing tire performance, the team has also faced significant difficulties in maintaining tire performance in cold conditions.

“We were very strong last year, and I hope to continue that form,” Leclerc said. “However, tire improvements mean we face new challenges. This was particularly evident in races like Sao Paulo, where cold conditions prevented us from reaching our full potential.”

Ferrari’s Future at Las Vegas

To remain competitive and continue being a strong contender for victory in Las Vegas, Ferrari will need to focus on improving pit stop strategies, tire warming capabilities, and adaptability to rapidly changing track conditions. While many challenges lie ahead, with Leclerc’s determination and the technical team’s expertise, Ferrari can still hope for a positive result—if they can address their weaknesses.