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Ferrari turn to Charles Leclerc’s data after Lewis Hamilton’s Miami frustrations
TL;DR
Ferrari is analyzing Charles Leclerc's data alongside Lewis Hamilton's feedback after significant upgrades for the Miami Grand Prix. The team introduced 11 new upgrades to enhance performance, benefiting Leclerc, who performed well in practice and qualifying.
Key points
- Ferrari introduced 11 new upgrades for the SF-26 in Miami
- Leclerc set the fastest time in practice
- Ferrari aims to improve downforce and straight-line efficiency
FerrariCharles LeclercLewis HamiltonMiami Grand Prix
Photo by Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Ferrari are now looking to compare Lewis Hamilton’s feedback with Charles Leclerc’s data after their Miami Grand Prix updates appeared to benefit only the latter.
The team used the five-week break since the Japanese Grand Prix to bring a substantial set of changes to Miami, rolling out 11 new upgrades for the SF-26. No other team made as many adjustments, with Ferrari aiming to improve both downforce and straight-line efficiency.
Ferrari’s update package in Miami included a new front wing, floor, rear wing, suspension tweaks, and changes to the exhaust tail flap. Leclerc seemed comfortable straight away, setting the fastest time in practice before qualifying fourth for the Sprint.
Hamilton didn’t find it quite as easy. He finished fourth in FP1 and then qualified seventh for the Sprint. The seven-time champion was 0.379 seconds slower than Leclerc in SQ3 and 0.749 seconds off pole position.
Ferrari to review Leclerc’s data to understand Hamilton’s struggles in Miami
Hamilton had high hopes for Ferrari’s new upgrades going into the Miami GP. He’d spent plenty of time at Maranello during the break, working closely with the team on the SF-26. Both he and Leclerc also had a chance to put the new parts through their paces during a filming day at Monza in April.
According to FormulaTecnica, Ferrari are now looking into whether there are any clear reasons behind his issues with grip and battery management. The team still believe he can turn things around come race day.
“To be honest I didn’t feel as comfortable as I would have hoped,” Hamilton said after qualifying P7 for the Sprint. “I did not feel great with my feeling of balance, so this is something we need to work on for tomorrow.”
“There is definitely some work ahead of us and we need time and data to get more out of our package,” Vasseur explained after qualifying on Friday. “We will work hard overnight because we want more.”
Q&A
What upgrades did Ferrari introduce for the Miami Grand Prix?
Ferrari rolled out 11 new upgrades for the SF-26, including a new front wing, floor, rear wing, suspension tweaks, and changes to the exhaust tail flap.
How did Charles Leclerc perform during the Miami Grand Prix?
Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in practice and qualified fourth for the Sprint at the Miami Grand Prix.
Why is Ferrari comparing Leclerc's data with Hamilton's feedback?
Ferrari is looking to understand the differences in performance and feedback after their Miami upgrades appeared to benefit only Leclerc.
