For some motive, which is tough to clarify, in Method 1 nearly all drivers excel at sure circuits that, on paper, shouldn’t be notably demanding, like Monaco or Spa-Francorchamps. A basic instance is the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi, a observe with a somewhat boring format the place Valtteri Bottas usually outshone a number of champion Lewis Hamilton. In actual fact, it was at Sochi the place the Finn handed victory to Ferrari’s future driver, obeying a selected staff order. It’s the identical for Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.
The Azerbaijan avenue circuit is a type of tracks that drivers both love or hate. Its peculiar format, with a particularly quick third sector and extra technical sections by way of Baku’s previous city, is basically one-of-a-kind. For example, Sergio Perez is among the greatest performers at this circuit, having secured 5 podiums and being the one driver to have gained right here at the least twice. For Charles Leclerc, this observe carries deep emotional significance. His father handed away on June 20, 2017, after a battle with sickness.
The following day, with a damaged coronary heart, the Monegasque driver took a flight to Baku, the place the Method 2 Azerbaijan Grand Prix was about to happen. Regardless of being within the struggle for the world title, his staff tried to persuade him to withdraw and never race, however he wouldn’t hear of it. Maurizio Arrivabene, who was Ferrari’s staff principal on the time, requested Charles Leclerc what he was doing on the airplane. The Ferrari junior responded that he was going to Baku with them as a result of he needed to fulfill his obligation and win, after which he would return residence to bury his father.
Later, Massimo Rivola, former head of the Ferrari Driver Academy and now CEO of Aprilia Racing, recalled that second, explaining that on the eve of Baku, Charles noticed his father Hervé die, however he took the primary flight and made it to the observe. Many would have crumbled in his place. For the file, the Monegasque driver gained Race 1, setting the quickest lap, and completed second in Race 2. It was a weekend that can undoubtedly be etched in Charles’ reminiscence, as he confronted among the hardest days of his life.
Since getting into Method 1, Baku has given Charles Leclerc extra disappointments than joys. Within the nation by the Caspian Sea, he scored his first factors end in 2018 and secured a number of pole positions. Nevertheless, ranging from pole right here usually means little: simply consider Charles Leclerc’s phenomenal pole in 2021, though it was clear the SF21 wouldn’t be capable to struggle for victory within the race. It’s a observe that the latest Monza winner loves and with which he shares a pure connection.
For that reason, it may very well be a chance to proceed the rostrum streak that started at Spa-Francorchamps. On this chaotic season, Ferrari has had fluctuating efficiency, as the motive force himself admitted in an emotional staff radio after the Italian Grand Prix. Too many ups and downs this season, though the highs have been wonderful, Charles Leclerc mentioned two weeks in the past, referring to the race victories in Monaco and Monza. Certainly, the races following these two victories for the Maranello staff have been fairly disappointing.
The first aim for Ferrari’s mission within the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is to construct on the potential proven at Monza, though the Italian observe is exclusive. The hope is that the aerodynamic updates launched to the SF-24 through the residence race can even show efficient on a very totally different observe like Baku, the “Temple of Velocity.” If that’s the case, then Charles Leclerc may very well be concerned within the battle for victory, because of his glorious feeling with the Baku Metropolis Circuit the place, for numerous causes, he hasn’t been capable of capitalize within the Italian vehicles.
The Italian staff is aiming for a robust weekend in Baku. They’ve ready as greatest they might, on the lookout for a setup that will optimize the efficiency of the SF-24. The Italian automotive isn’t the favourite and can face robust competitors from Mercedes, Pink Bull, and particularly McLaren, which is presently the staff to beat with their distinctive MCL38. Nevertheless, Ferrari has Charles Leclerc, a beneficial asset the Maranello staff is relying on.
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