In total, Leclerc lost 0.5-0.55s on straights, 0.35s of which in the back section alone. Wing was too big for Q, he seemed a bit disappointed by that choice in the interview. However, last year when they ran less wing than RB and managed to snatch a pole, they'd still lose in the race and deg was terrible.
Yes, the 24 car is very different, but I don't think it will hurt them to try a different approach. With a different approach to strategy and extending the first stint they might just give themselves some options later in the race, especially if SC bunches up the grid. With the deg of AMR and poor cornering of low-drag Merc, I don't think they will be able to pose a sustained threat the whole race, so it doesn't look like they are taking a risk.
Compared to 2023, minimal losses on straights somehow and major improvements in all corners. Leclerc had a very good 1st stint on Softs last year with bigger wing, they might want to try that again tomorrow. Just like last week, execution will be crucial.
Ollie was amazing today, great job and probably could have had a better shot at Q3 without the red flag. This is a bit of a pressure-off situation, starting outside Top 10, so he'd do well to focus on finishing the race first and foremost. Whatever comes after this weekend for him, it will be a huge experience and a huge confidence boost for him. Great find from Ferrari Academy, no doubt! I thought they should have left him take an F3 title last year, but obviously jumping to F2 was not a bad move for him.
