formula 1
Leclerc does the first laps in the new Ferrari
The new Ferrari SF-23. photo
© Ferrari/PA Media/dpa
Title contender Charles Leclerc has completed the first laps in the new Formula 1 Ferrari. The Scuderia has big plans for the new season.
Ferrari presented its new Formula 1 racing car to hundreds of enthusiastic Tifosi. On the home track in Fiorano, Monegasque Charles Leclerc did the first laps in the SF23.
“The goal is of course to win. That’s what motivates me. And to win the title in the end,” said the 25-year-old. Last season, after a strong start with two wins in three races, Leclerc quickly lost touch with Max Verstappen in the Red Bull and became runner-up in the world with a clear gap to the Dutchman.
New team boss wants to bring Ferrari forward
After the Scuderia had recently only unveiled its car via video presentations, the traditional team decided this time to present it to a larger audience. The fans in the stands fervently sang along with the Italian national anthem at the beginning. The pilots were then emotionally greeted with lots of applause and cheers.
For the new team boss Frédéric Vasseur, the presentation was a first in office. He had intensive weeks behind him, said the Frenchman. At the beginning of the year, the 54-year-old switched from Alfa Romeo to Ferrari. “The most important thing is to bring Ferrari forward,” said Vasseur. The team has been waiting for a drivers’ title since Kimi Raikkonen’s triumph in 2007 and has repeatedly failed to win the world championship in recent years due to breakdowns and bad luck.
Ferrari and the other nine teams will complete the first endurance test from February 23rd to 25th at the test drives in Bahrain. The first of the 23 races of the season will also be held there on March 5th.