Improvements will define the rest of the season, says Leclerc. Vasseur downplays their role a bit – F1sport.cz

Ferrari took away from Miami the trophy for the podium in the race, the second place in the sprint and above all a lot of points. It didn’t have any improvements though.

Ferrari should deploy the improvement package in two weeks at Imola. “As I’ve said many times before, I think the season will depend on improvements,” said Leclerc, who finished third.

“Ours is coming very soon and it will kind of define the rest of our season. We have to work hard and hope that the improvements are as good as theirs and help us take a significant step forward.”

But Ferrari boss Frédéric Vasseur downplayed the (general) benefit of the improvements. “It’s not like a few years ago, when it brought three, four tenths per bike. McLaren brought a huge package here, but it’s not like they’re half a second faster than the others,” said Vasseur, as quoted by formu1a.uno.

“Without a doubt we will be able to fight for victory in Imola. However, I believe there are differences that vary from track to track and blend to blend. It makes more of a difference than an upgrade.”

“We have to focus on our work, which means making the most of what we have. The improvements we will bring to Imola will certainly help us. But it’s not just about them, it’s also about the work we do on the track.”

Vasseur was overall satisfied with the weekend in Miami. “We have been fighting with McLaren since the beginning of the season. They were close to us in Melbourne and that’s how it is every weekend. I want to congratulate Lando and McLaren, it’s an important step for him, it’s his first win. We all wish him the best.’

“The race went well for us. We had the pace, we were able to keep up with Max throughout the race. We were a bit unlucky with the safety car, but that’s just the way it was. We have to take the positive aspects. We had the speed and next weekend we will start from scratch.”