Ferrari have concluded a self-titled “wake-up” test ahead of the 2023 season, with Charles Leclerc back at the wheel of an F1 car under the watchful eye of new team boss Frederic Vasseur.
Vasseur joined the team from Alfa Romeo over the winter and, after a few weeks of bedding in, observed proceedings on the third and final day of a special test session at Ferrari’s own Fiorano circuit, situated next to their Maranello base.
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Following initial runs from test and reserve driver Robert Shwartzman and team mate Carlos Sainz on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, it was Leclerc’s time to take to the track in the 2021-spec SF21 on Thursday, with his brother, F2 racer Arthur, also in attendance.
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Starting the day on wet tyres amid damp, cold conditions, before switching to slicks as the weather improved, Leclerc completed a 123-lap programme – equivalent to 366 kilometres.
Next up for Ferrari will be the launch of their 2023 car – which is yet to be named and currently goes by project number 675 – on February 14, before teams head to Bahrain for pre-season testing on February 23-25.
Ferrari finished second in the 2022 constructors’ standings, after an early title push faded, meaning their wait for another championship stretches into a 15th season.
