Ferrari: why Baku is a mix of challenges and triumphs for Charles Leclerc

09/12/2024 06:49 AM

For some reason, which is hard to explain, in Formula 1 almost all drivers excel at certain circuits that, on paper, shouldn't be particularly demanding, like Monaco or Spa-Francorchamps. A classic example is the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi, a track with a rather dull layout where Valtteri Bottas often outshone multiple champion Lewis Hamilton. In fact, it was at Sochi where the Finn handed victory to Ferrari's future driver, obeying a specific team order. It's the same for Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.

The Azerbaijan street circuit is one of those tracks that drivers either love or hate. Its peculiar layout, with an extremely fast third sector and more technical sections through Baku's old town, is essentially one-of-a-kind. For instance, Sergio Perez is one of the best performers at this circuit, having secured 5 podiums and being the only driver to have won here at least twice. For Charles Leclerc, this track carries deep emotional significance. His father passed away on June 20, 2017, after a battle with illness.

The next day, with a broken heart, the Monegasque driver took a flight to Baku, where the Formula 2 Azerbaijan Grand Prix was about to take place. Despite being in the fight for the world title, his team tried to convince him to withdraw and not race, but he wouldn't hear of it. Maurizio Arrivabene, who was Ferrari’s team principal at the time, asked Charles Leclerc what he was doing on the plane. The Ferrari junior responded that he was going to Baku with them because he had to fulfill his duty and win, after which he would return home to bury his father.

Later, Massimo Rivola, former head of the Ferrari Driver Academy and now CEO of Aprilia Racing, recalled that moment, explaining that on the eve of Baku, Charles saw his father Hervé die, but he took the first flight and made it to the track. Many would have crumbled in his place. For the record, the Monegasque driver won Race 1, setting the fastest lap, and finished second in Race 2. It was a weekend that will undoubtedly be etched in Charles' memory, as he faced some of the toughest days of his life.

Since entering Formula 1, Baku has given Charles Leclerc more disappointments than joys. In the country by the Caspian Sea, he scored his first points finish in 2018 and secured multiple pole positions. However, starting from pole here often means little: just think of Charles Leclerc's phenomenal pole in 2021, even though it was clear the SF21 wouldn't be able to fight for victory in the race. It's a track that the recent Monza winner loves and with which he shares a natural connection.

For this reason, it could be an opportunity to continue the podium streak that began at Spa-Francorchamps. In this chaotic season, Ferrari has had fluctuating performance, as the driver himself admitted in an emotional team radio after the Italian Grand Prix. Too many ups and downs this season, although the highs have been amazing, Charles Leclerc said two weeks ago, referring to the race victories in Monaco and Monza. Indeed, the races following those two victories for the Maranello team have been quite disappointing.

The primary goal for Ferrari's mission in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is to build on the potential shown at Monza, even though the Italian track is unique. The hope is that the aerodynamic updates introduced to the SF-24 during the home race will also prove effective on a completely different track like Baku, the "Temple of Speed." If that's the case, then Charles Leclerc could be involved in the battle for victory, thanks to his excellent feeling with the Baku City Circuit where, for various reasons, he hasn't been able to capitalize in the Italian cars.

The Italian team is aiming for a strong weekend in Baku. They've prepared as best they could, looking for a setup that will optimize the performance of the SF-24. The Italian car isn't the favorite and will face tough competition from Mercedes, Red Bull, and especially McLaren, which is currently the team to beat with their exceptional MCL38. However, Ferrari has Charles Leclerc, a valuable asset the Maranello team is counting on.

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