Charles Leclerc conceded that Ferrari’s relative lack of pace during Japanese Grand Prix practice came as a “surprise” amid its recent performance. Ferrari and Leclerc have not been beaten in qualifying since Formula 1’s summer break, with the squad making aerodynamic gains with its SF90, which already held a straight-line speed advantage. The squad won three of the four races held in that period and should have completed a clean sweep in Russia but for the timing of the Virtual Safety Car period instigated by Sebastian Vettel’s retirement. But at Suzuka on Friday Mercedes finished 1-2 in both sessions, with Ferrari managing only fourth and fifth in the...
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