Ferrari Optimistic as McLaren Outpaces Verstappen in Mexico Race Pace
Ferrari showed promise at the Mexico City Grand Prix as Charles Leclerc stated that they had a competitive start to the weekend. He pointed out that while Ferrari’s race pace appears to have matched Red Bull’s, McLaren’s performance on high fuel was notably better. “Friday was a positive one,” Leclerc remarked. He finished second in Free Practice 2 (FP2), indicating that the team is still working to catch up.
Key Highlights from the Mexico City Grand Prix
- Top Performers: Leclerc led FP1, while Verstappen dominated one-lap times in FP2.
- McLaren’s Advantage: Leclerc acknowledged McLaren’s strong showing on high fuel, suggesting they might be out of reach for Ferrari.
- Hamilton’s Concerns: Lewis Hamilton, despite finishing in the top five, expressed dissatisfaction with his car’s handling.
- Race Pace Issues: Verstappen admitted Red Bull struggles with race pace, focusing on long runs.
Performance Analysis
Leclerc noted, “We’ve done pretty good laps,” yet he recognized that Ferrari is still behind Red Bull in low fuel scenarios. Despite their efforts, McLaren’s pace was a concern. Leclerc’s teammate, Hamilton, dealt with challenges as he described the car’s balance as “very open.” He emphasized that there is still untapped potential in the vehicle.
Verstappen, while acknowledging his strength was in qualifying, echoed sentiments about the lack of grip during longer runs. He stated, “You can be fast over one lap, but if you have absolutely zero pace in the race, then it’s going to be very tough.”
McLaren’s Competitive Edge
Lando Norris, who missed FP1, felt comfortable during the sessions. He stated, “I feel like I got up to speed very quickly.” Despite this, he recognized that many teams are capable of closing gaps in performance as the weekend progresses.
The overall dynamic suggests that while Ferrari and Red Bull face challenges, McLaren might hold a stronger position heading into the race. With teams strategizing overnight, the unfolding scenarios will dictate the race outcomes.
