Ferrari lost pace in FP3 and were considered the third fastest team on paper

SUZUKA, JAPAN – SEPTEMBER 23:
Australian and McLaren second qualifier Oscar Piastri talks to Lando Norris, UK and McLaren third qualifier, at parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Japanese Grand Prix at the Racing School Suzuka International on September 23, 2023 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Dan Istigene – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty

Ferrari

Ferrari lost pace in FP3 and were considered the third fastest team on paper

. This is how it went in qualifying, with both drivers easily reaching Q3 but lacking the pace to challenge Red Bull or McLaren. Leclerc at least took the lead over Perez, and also overtook his teammate for the first time since the summer break.

“I’m happy with my lap because it was the best we could do today. We lost the most in Region 1, so we’ll look at that and try to understand what we can do to improve. With warm temperatures here this year, the risk of overheating is higher than usual, meaning tire strategy and management will be key issues tomorrow.

“Red Bull was very fast throughout the weekend and McLaren seemed to have a similar race pace to us, so it was important to get off to a good start.”

Carlos Sainz, 6th, 1:
29,850

“Today was a tough qualifying. We knew before coming here that this track would expose our weaknesses a little more and with its high speed characteristics and long corners, we knew that it would never be easy. I tried a lot.” various tweaks and adjustments since yesterday, trying to get the car to a better place, but clearly it’s not working. I didn’t have a good performance in Q3 either, so we’ll start in P6 tomorrow.

“We will fight to score well tomorrow and we will be ready to take advantage of every opportunity.”

Fred Vasseur, group director