Ferrari's 2024 hopes in doubt after MAJOR 'problem'

Ferrari engineer Jock Clear has stated that the team haven't fully got to the bottom of an issue that first surfaced at the Bahrain Grand Prix and hindered Charles Leclerc.

The Monegasque driver was plagued by brake issues which were pulling his car to the left under braking and costing him pace throughout the first race of the season.

READ MORE: Wolff admits SHOCK Verstappen Mercedes swoop rests on crucial move

He recovered despite suffering with lockups to secure a solid fourth-placed finish, but was once again a long way off the pace of the Red Bulls at the Saudi Arabian GP.

Leclerc has struggled in the latter end of 2023, and the beginning stages of 2024, to capitalise on strong qualifying performances, often finding himself falling down the order during races.

Ferrari struggling to fix issue

Speaking to media about the brake issues, Clear remarked that while progress had been made, Ferrari could not entirely pinpoint the issue.

"We are investigating, obviously we've only had a week between [races] and not even a week, only a couple of days in reality, and the factory is a long way away," he said.

READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: F1 champion insists Red Bull NOT responsible for 2023 success

"We're starting to do it, we've done as much of an investigation as we can - and we're pretty much on top of it, with the help of Brembo [braking systems manufacturer].

"We've come [to Saudi Arabia] and we don't have any particular issues here, so I think we put that to bed. But to be honest, we're not completely on top of the problem, we haven't completely identified the problem."

For now, at least, Ferrari look like the most likely outfit to disturb Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s current run of nine consecutive race victories.

READ MORE: Hamilton demands 'BIG changes' amid Mercedes frustration

Related

GPFans Recap

Ricciardo tipped for F1 COMEBACK as Ferrari tease huge unveiling - GPFans Recap

• Yesterday 23:57

Latest F1 News

Emotional Ferrari test paves way for Hamilton arrival

• Yesterday 22:57