Explained: why main Ferrari SF-23 problems were hidden by qualifying pace

Explained: why main Ferrari SF-23 problems were hidden by qualifying pace. Unmasking Ferrari SF-23's race pace issues.

In the 2023 season, Charles Leclerc secured five pole positions, ranking second only to Max Verstappen. However, despite his impressive qualifying performance, he faced challenges converting those poles into race victories. Leclerc clarified that Ferrari’s weaknesses in the 2023 car were cleverly concealed during qualifying due to the influence of new tires.

While Leclerc’s one-lap speed was evident with his five poles, translating that performance to race success proved difficult. His best results included second-place finishes in Austria, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi. Unfortunately, the struggle to capitalize on pole positions has extended Leclerc’s winless streak to 12 races, dating back to the 2022 Australian Grand Prix. The Monegasque driver explained that the SF-23 was particularly sensitive to its tires, contributing to the challenges faced during races, which we analyze in this video: