Charles Leclerc has provided initial feedback on Ferrari’s new SF-24 car, indicating that it feels better to drive compared to its predecessor, the SF-23. Leclerc expressed that he noticed significant improvements in the car’s behavior during his first few laps at the team’s Fiorano test track.

“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,” Leclerc told media including RaceFans. “The car was very, very difficult to drive. This year the car feels healthier and in a better place.”

Recalling his experience with the SF-23 last year, Leclerc mentioned that he encountered difficulties with the car’s handling from the outset. However, with the SF-24, he noted a positive difference, stating that the car feels healthier and more stable.

Despite the improved feel of the SF-24, Leclerc cautioned against drawing conclusions about the car’s competitiveness solely based on initial impressions. He emphasized that while a car may be easier to drive, it doesn’t guarantee superior performance compared to rivals who may have made bigger leaps in lap time gains.

“I want to push on the point that this doesn’t mean anything on the competitiveness of the car,” he explained. “Because if other teams have done a bigger steps forward in terms of lap time gains, then it can be an easier car drive but if it’s not fast enough, it won’t be fast enough on-track.

Leclerc highlighted the collaborative effort between drivers and engineers in refining the SF-24, particularly in addressing issues related to the car’s drivability. He explained that while engineers focus on increasing downforce, drivers provide crucial feedback on aspects such as sensitivity to external conditions, which impact the car’s performance on track.

“This has changed a little bit over the years,” he explained, “in the way that now there’s so much technology that the overall scope of every car is to try and add more downforce, and this is what engineers are working on day and night.

According to Leclerc, Ferrari’s engineers have made significant progress in enhancing the SF-24’s drivability, as indicated by simulator data. However, he emphasized the need for caution in assessing the car’s performance at this early stage, acknowledging that further testing and track sessions are necessary to provide a more accurate evaluation.

“I’ve done three laps this morning, but three laps with cameras stuck all around the car and not really pushing to the limit. So too early to say.”