Charles Leclerc’s early impressions of Ferrari’s “healthier” 2024 F1 car

Charles Leclerc believes Ferrari are “in a better place” with their 2024 F1 car after driving it for the first time.

Ferrari are the latest team to launch their new challenger ahead of next week’s pre-season test in Bahrain.

Leclerc and Carlos Sainz took it in turns to drive a couple of laps of Ferrari’s own circuit - Fiorano - on Tuesday.

Ferrari will be hoping to start 2024 in better form than they did 12 months ago.

The Scuderia endured a difficult first half of 2023, scoring just two podiums in the opening 11 races.

While their performances in the second part of the season improved - including a win courtesy of Sainz in Singapore - Ferrari have adopted an entirely new car concept for 2024, with 98 percent of the components changed on the SF-24.

Speaking to select media, including Crash.net, after the launch of their new car, Leclerc spoke about how this year's Ferrari feels on track relative to last year.

“I remember the first lap last year or the first three, four laps, I wasn’t really happy with the behaviour of the car,” he said. 

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

Leclerc was quick to point out that while the car feels nicer to drive, it won’t necessarily translate into being a Red Bull-beater.

“On the other hand, I want to push on the point that doesn’t mean anything on the competitiveness of the car because if other teams have done a bigger step forward in terms of lap time gain then it can be an easier car to drive but if it’s not fast enough it won’t be on track,” he added.

“In terms of competitiveness it’s very difficult. In terms of actual feeling of the very first laps, I will say I’ve had a better feeling this year than I did last year.”