SUZUKA (JAPAN) (ITALPRESS) – “In this season the development of the machine will be fundamental. At this moment we are in a good position, we want to win races but Mercedes is getting high-level results and has a significant advantage.” These words, at the press conference, by Charles Leclerc on the eve of the first day on the track of the Japanese Grand Prix, the third round of the F1 2026 World Championship. “They will soon get updates, but we have to focus on ourselves. After the first free practice session, we’ll know where we are. The circuit is winding in the first sectors, the optimization of the power unit at the moment is the big difference between us and Mercedes”, adds the Monaco driver of Ferrari.
HAMILTON “GAP DA COLMARE, CI PROVEREMO CON TUTTE LE FORZE”
“We are trying to improve our performance, but Mercedes is still ahead. We still have a detachment to fill, but we will try with all our strength.” These are the words of Lewis Hamilton during the middle day. “I’m proud of the team and the work we did to get here. We’re close to Mercedes and we can fight for the title. The battle with Charles (Leclerc, ndr) in China was one of the most exciting I’ve ever done,” adds the British driver, who won his first podium in China with Ferrari.
RUSSELL “ABBIAMO UN VANTAGGIO, MA NULLA È GARANTITO”
“The team worked hard to put us in this position and the best team should win. We have an advantage and we left great, but there is nothing guaranteed.” These are the words of George Russell during the middle day. “In China I was a bit annoyed for not winning but, considering all the difficulties we had, I think they are 18 points earned and not 7 lost. I’m still happy with the result,” adds the British Mercedes driver, returning to second place in China’s Gp behind teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
ANTONELLI “VOGLIO MANTENERE LO SLANCIO POSITIVO DELLA CINA”
“There are so many competitions to be played, I want to maintain China’s positive momentum and hope to be able to achieve a great result this weekend.” These are the words of Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the middle day. “It was crazy in China, but I am enjoying the moment. It was fun, but at the same time I immediately moved attention to this weekend, despite probably in China it was the most beautiful day of my life”, adds the 19-year-old Bolognese driver of Mercedes on the first career win won in China’s Gp.
VERSTAPPEN “SIAMO LONTANI, PAUSA APRILE SERVIRÀ PER SVILUPPI”
“I don’t think much about the previous years because everyone is different. We must be realistic and admit that at the moment we are far away. We will try to take advantage of the April break to better understand our car.” So, over the middle day, Max Verstappen. “We must learn from previous races and try to be closer to the head of the race. I think this is our goal. The weekend in China was not good,” adds RedBull’s Dutch driver returning to China’s Gp.
NORRIS “SERVE TEMPO, NON STIAMO PENSANDO AL CAMPIONATO”
“There are progress, but it takes time. At the moment we are the third strength of the grid and there are many projects in the yard”. These are the words of the world champion Lando Norris. “We’re not thinking about the championship yet. We want to climb the podium and then win the races. And we have faith in ourselves and the team. It only takes time, you have to be patient, but we can get the best car in the championship,” says the British driver of McLaren.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
