Ferrari: Looking to have a straightforward weekend

Charles Leclerc won last year's edition of the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Spielberg, but it was a bittersweet affair as Carlos Sainz had to retire the sister car with flames blazing out of its engine cover. only 13 laps into the race.

A win is not logically on the cards for Ferrari this year, with their SF-23 not up to the challenge compared to Red Bull's RB19, Aston Martin AMR23, and most recently the updated Mercedes W14.

And while Leclerc and Sainz had decent race pace in Canada, Ferrari's messed up Qualifying that saw the former being eliminated from Q2 meant the race would've have a much better outcome had he started further up the grid. Sainz also was slapped with a grid penalty for impeding other drivers in Qualifying, highlighting the team's ongoing operational struggles.

"After Canada, we now return to complete the European leg of the season taking in some of the classic venues on the calendar, starting with back-to-back races in Austria and England," Vasseur said, previewing the Austrian race.

"In Spielberg, we will tackle the second Sprint weekend of the year, which means that Charles, Carlos and the 18 other drivers all get just one hour of free practice before tackling qualifying. We have therefore spent plenty of time working hard in the factory and simulator to be as well-prepared as possible," he explained.

"Our main focus has been on ensuring that our drivers can get the most out of the SF-23 package, as indeed they were able to do in the race in Montreal.

"We’re looking to have a straightforward weekend all the way through from Friday to Sunday and if we manage it, then I’m sure we can bring home a good result," the Frenchman concluded.

Ferrari have upgraded their SF-23 since the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix, but have not been able to show the same level of improvement Mercedes have following their upgrades.

Ferrari are currently fourth in the 2023 F1 Constructors' Standings, with 122 points.