Charles Leclerc believes the Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix will be a tougher test for Ferrari after back-to-back race victories in Austin and Mexico City.
Leclerc led a triumphant one-two for Ferrari in the United States GP in Austin, Texas before Carlos Sainz led a one-three a week later at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
Those results have put the Scuderia in contention for the Constructors’ title, having leapfrogged Red Bull to take second place in the standings.
However, speaking ahead of the Sao Paulo GP, Leclerc fears the world-famous Interlagos circuit could be a bump in the road for Ferrari.
“I think Qatar on the paper is probably the most difficult weekend for us in the remaining ones,” Leclerc told select media including Motorsport Week on Thursday.
“I think [Brazil] maybe it’s the second one where we don’t expect to be particularly stellar.
“I think Las Vegas should be a really good one for us and Abu Dhabi neutral.”
With four rounds remaining in the 2024 F1 campaign, Ferrari is 25 points ahead of Red Bull and 29 behind McLaren in the Constructors’ standings.
Despite not fancying Ferrari as much around Interlagos, Leclerc argued that a well-executed Sprint weekend can make all the difference.
“All in all, I come back to the point before that we really have to focus step by step,” he said.
“It’s very fine details and sometimes this can make a big difference.
“Especially on a Sprint weekend like this, it’s not because on paper you are not the favourite that it cannot be the case tomorrow.
“We only have one free practice session. If we manage to do a really good job during this free practice session, everything is possible.”
Carlos Sainz mimics Charles Leclerc Ferrari assessment ahead of Brazil GP
Sainz has agreed with Leclerc when analysing Ferrari’s prospects in Brazil.
The Spaniard looked to last year’s results, where Leclerc led the team’s efforts in the Sprint with fifth and Sainz in the GP with sixth.
Still, Sainz also has faith that Ferrari can capitalise if circumstances fall its way.
“I agree with Charles that this on paper, and looking at last year’s performance here, it doesn’t look like the strongest track for us,” Sainz said.
“Looking at corner characteristics, still hopefully we can be in the mix and in the mix means scoring top fives, podiums. And if the opportunity arises, challenging for the win.
“I don’t think we will dominate like we dominated in Austin or Mexico but we’ll still be in mix, then once you’re in mix, everything that’s going on between Lando-Max, Max-Lando, then you can put yourself in a position to win and score.”
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