Austrian Grand Prix: Hamilton and Leclerc celebrate Ferrari's resurgence
Ferrari Shines in Austrian Grand Prix Qualifying; Leclerc and Hamilton Praise Progress
The Austrian Grand Prix is shaping up to be promising for Ferrari, as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc lauded the team's recent progress following a standout qualifying session. For Hamilton, who secured his best grid spot of the season with fourth place, and for teammate Leclerc, who clinched a spot on the front row beside pole-sitter Lando Norris, Ferrari's improvements signify a strong upward trajectory.
Central to Ferrari's performance boost has been the introduction of an upgraded floor on the car this weekend. While McLaren's Oscar Piastri was in contention for a strong showing during Q3, falling just short of completing his final lap, both Hamilton and Leclerc expressed gratitude and pride in their team's relentless work both at the factory and on the circuit.
Hamilton Reflects on Ferrari’s Progress
“It’s a fantastic result,” Hamilton stated. “The team worked really hard back in the factory to bring us a new floor this weekend. Considering yesterday we were a lot further off, for us to be a lot closer and on the second row, I think that’s fantastic. And for Charles to be on the front row—credit to the team. Ultimately, my last lap wasn’t perfect, and if I had finished it, I think I could’ve been second. But there are lots of positives to take away.
“It’s also been the best day operationally—especially through qualifying. The timing, the data on traffic, and the information we received were world-class. That’s the standard we’re striving for.”
Leclerc’s Perspective on Ferrari’s Performance
For Leclerc, who qualified just half a second behind McLaren’s Norris, Ferrari's upgrades made a clear difference, even if the precise advantage is hard to quantify. The Monegasque driver praised the efforts that propelled him to his third front-row start of the season:
“The upgrades definitely helped us today,” Leclerc remarked. “How much exactly is difficult to know, but especially with how fine the margins are, it made a difference. We should be really proud of the work the team has put in. Beyond the upgrades, we executed our day perfectly.”
When asked about a potential victory, Leclerc maintained a cautious yet determined outlook:
“I’ll give it everything. The gap today was big, but tomorrow, with tire management, I think we have a strong car. Can it match the McLaren? I’m not sure yet, but I’ll do everything to make their life as tough as possible.”
Hamilton Eyes Podium Amid Ferrari Unity
For Hamilton, the weekend marks another step forward in his quest to consistently challenge Leclerc, while also snapping a prolonged drought without a podium in Ferrari red:
“It feels like that long gap—like that ‘900-odd days without a win’ thing—though hopefully it won’t take that long for me. Every race, I’ve been eager for that first podium, but today I won’t say anything. I’ll just focus on doing a better job tomorrow,” Hamilton told reporters.
Hamilton also highlighted Ferrari’s internal unity under team principal Fred Vasseur, as the team continues to withstand external scrutiny while improving steadily:
“We’re blocking out the noise, protecting each other, and keeping our heads down,” he explained. “This team is incredible. I’m working closely with Fred to ensure each piece of the puzzle fits into place. It’s a step-by-step process; it can’t happen all at once. But I’m really, really happy with our progress."
Ferrari’s Revival Under Vasseur
The upgrades and strong qualifying performance come as a welcome reprieve for Ferrari under Vasseur’s leadership, following mounting pressure earlier in the season. As race day looms, Hamilton and Leclerc appear poised to make life difficult for the McLarens and capitalize on their newfound pace.
Whether Ferrari can convert their qualifying promise into success on race day remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Scuderia is back in the fight.
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