French GP: Charles Leclerc’s competition against Max Verstappen and why Mercedes is set to challenge
Can Ferrari and Charles Leclerc build on title momentum? Watch the French Grand Prix this weekend, with all sessions live on Sky Sports F1; Full schedule at the end of the article – qualifying at 3pm Saturday, race Sunday at 2pm
Last Updated: 7/17/22 9:02 pm
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc (left) finished ahead of Max Verstappen (right) and Lewis Hamilton at the Austrian GP
Ferrari is confident it has regained momentum against Red Bull as the 2022 F1 season moves fast towards the French Grand Prix, where Mercedes could also find itself back in the competition ahead.
Ferrari and Red Bull – and their star drivers Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen – have been title protagonists so far this year and while Verstappen has built a solid lead, Leclerc ended drought seven races to win the last time in Austria and re – raise his challenge.
Austria also encouraged chasers and drivers for their quick turns, with Ferrari seemingly finally matching Red Bull’s straight-line speed while maintaining the edge in corners.
That raised the bets for this weekend’s French GP from Le Castellet, with all sessions live on Sky Sports F1 and race on Sunday at 2pm.
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Charles Leclerc came out on top after another dramatic battle with championship competitor Max Verstappen in Austria.
“We are at a disadvantage compared to Red Bull, without a doubt, in terms of speed on the straight line, especially in the DRS areas,” Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto explained of the team’s improvement. me.
“We worked a lot on it. We introduced a new rear spoiler, just on one car to start. [for Leclerc in Canada] and then on both cars since the UK. And with that new rear wing, I think we simply reduced the distance.
“We’ve closed the gap that we have in terms of speed. I think they still have a bit of an advantage, but very little or nothing.”
Indeed, in Austria, Leclerc easily overcame Verstappen three times in the race – marking the first time this season that the Dutchman was overtaken and beaten on a Sunday – while the The Ferrari also had a blown tire.
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Charles Leclerc crosses the first line to win the Austrian GP, his first win doesn’t start from the milestone!
“In limited power [corners]we are very close,” added Binotto. Then it’s just about the limited angles of the handle, where we can make a difference. “
At a track with long straights and fast corners, the sequel to this title battle promises to be another epic one.
Why Mercedes could rejoin the fight this weekend
It’s also more likely to be a battle between the three teams up front rather than two – with Mercedes expected to be competitive again this weekend.
Although Mercedes has struggled with quick and strong pace this season, they have enjoyed their best weekend yet with the same smooth circuit as Paul Ricard. At Silverstone for the British GP, the track layout as well as important upgrades helped Mercedes win for the first time in 2022.
The eight-time defending world champions have struggled in Austria – but are still in the battle for pole and scoring big on Sunday – and are always quick at the French GP, a race that has long been seen as a chance Assembly for Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
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Lewis Hamilton is proud of the team’s efforts after taking third place after a rough start to the weekend in Austria.
“It’s been a smooth circuit, a bit like Silverstone, corners are quick and at least on paper it looks like we should have a good performance there,” said team boss Toto Wolff Sky Sports F1.
The title challenge may be a bridge too far from their deficit, but can Mercedes compete for their first win of the season? Shall we have a three-team, six-driver fight at the French GP?
Find out all the answers this weekend, live on Sky Sports.
Sky Sports F1 live French GP fixtures
Thursday, July 21
2 p.m.: Driving press conference
Friday, July 22
10:35: Practice F2
12:30pm: French GP Practice One (class starts at 1pm)
3.45pm: French GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
5:25pm: F2 Qualifier
6:10pm: W Series Qualifiers
7pm: F1 performance
Saturday, July 23
11.45am: Dharma GP Practice Three (session starts at 12pm)
1:30pm: W Series Race
2:35 p.m.: Building French GP Qualifiers
3pm: French Grand Prix Qualifiers
4.55pm: F2 Sprint
6 p.m.: Ted .’s Standard Notebook
Sunday, July 24
8:30 a.m.: F2 . Feature Race
12.30pm: Sunday Grand Prix: Build French GP
2pm: French Grand Prix
4pm: Checkers: French GP Response
5 p.m.: Ted’s Notebook
5:30pm: Highlights of the French GP
