Leclerc drives Ferrari's SF-23 at the launch: "Car was running well"

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Leclerc drives SF23 after launching Ferrari
14 February 2023 at 11:32
Last update 14 February 2023 at 12:28
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  • GPblog.com

Ferrari turned the launch of the SF-23 into a real event. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are aiming to take a shot at the world title in the new Formula 1 season. The event was so big, that Leclerc had the honour of taking to the track in Maranello immediately after the presentation.

Leclerc is immediately on the track in SF-23

Both the drivers and new team boss Fred Vasseur were present at the unveiling, but the fans were not to be missed either. A full grandstand was seen at the Fiorano circuit. After a coin toss, Leclerc got to be the first to try out the brand-new SF-23 by taking to the track immediately after the unveiling.

During his first kilometres in the new car, he joked over the team radio that Leclerc had first place 'for now'. "Everything feels good," the Monegasque commented from the cockpit. Following his test run, it was Sainz's turn to try out the car.

Leclerc is already enthusiastic about the new car, although of course, two laps are too few to draw conclusions already. "It feels good," said the Ferrari driver after getting out of the car. "The first kilometres with this new project, after doing so much on the simulator, it feels special. Everything went smoothly. With two laps it's difficult to go into details. But I gave my feedback once in the car to get the first feeling. The car was running well, smooth."