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The Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have started the 2024 season in great form. The Italian constructor has already scored a race win despite Red Bull’s highly dominant campaign. However, during the Japanese GP qualifying, Leclerc had issues with his SF-24 challenger. The Monegasque only managed a P8 start for the Japanese GP after facing ‘balancing’ issues with the challenger.

Charles Leclerc opened up about the issues he faced during the qualifying. The data on the board regarding the performance of the challenger depicted that there were issues. On the positive side, the 26-year-old mentioned that the balance wasn’t ‘way off’ and Maranello could work over the issues.

Its' one of those sessions that you get once in the season. The balance isn't way off and we can always improve a little bit. If I rely on the feeling I get on the lap, and if you look a the board it wasn't good. Charles Leclerc said.

Apart from this, Leclerc highlighted that he tried multiple things to bring the tires alive. However, the attempts failed and put an end to the disappointing qualifying session for the 26-year-old. The Monegasque mentioned that the race pace was strong. Still, the team could face issues while overtaking others on the high-speed cornered circuit of the Japanese GP.

I tried many things to bring the tyres alive but it didn't work. Qualifying position is important and today,we didn't do a good job. The race pace looks strong, but on a track like this it will be difficult to overtake. Charles Leclerc noted.

Charles Leclerc was furious during Q3 qualifying session

Charles Leclerc was visibly upset with the issues with his challenger at the Japanese GP. The Suzuka circuit is not the strongest suit for Ferrari due to the high-speed corners. Regardless, the Italian constructor will attempt to maximize results and minimize mistakes down the race. Leclerc had openly admitted how he didn’t understand why the chassis faced such issues during the qualifying session.

That's the best I can do. Honestly, I don't get it! Charles Leclerc told his race engineer.

On the contrary, Carlos Sainz had a much more comfortable qualifying session in Suzuka. Sainz highlighted that he was ‘happy’ with the performance showcased in the qualifying session. Apart from this, the 29-year-old pointed out how Ferrari isn’t exceptionally strong at the Suzuka circuit in Formula 1. Hence, the team will have to work extra hard to juice out maximum potential from the challenger.

But I did some very good laps in this quali, I’m happy with my performance. It’s just a track where the Ferrari is not the fastest car around and we know why. Carlos Sainz said, as reported by crash.net.

Charles Leclerc would have to push extra hard to move ahead in the pecking order from the eighth position. The team has showcased great pace during the preceding practice sessions. Hence, Ferrari will need to work over the issues of Leclerc’s challengers and work on them before the main race of the Japanese GP.

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