Charles Leclerc is preserving expectations low forward of the Singapore Grand Prix, a observe the place Ferrari has historically carried out effectively. The Monegasque driver doesn’t see the SF-25 able to successful towards McLaren, but when the warmth performs a job, he hopes the Scuderia can return to staying forward of Mercedes within the battle for second place within the Constructors’ Championship.
Historically, the Singapore Grand Prix marks the start of the ultimate stretch of the System 1 season. It isn’t simply the calendar that confirms this; the questions requested to groups and drivers additionally more and more are likely to wrap up the storylines of the yr, particularly when coping with those that not have a lot to play for. That is the case with Charles Leclerc, who at Marina Bay as soon as once more caught to his 2025 development of blunt, easy assessments, with out elaborations or makes an attempt to interpret actuality in another way.
Talking in regards to the goal of securing second place within the Constructors’ Championship, Charles Leclerc made his place very clear: “I believe the entire crew is dissatisfied. In case you are Ferrari, your aim is all the time to return to the highest, to not combat for second, third or fourth within the Constructors’ standings. That isn’t what we wish. So we’re not happy, I’m not happy. We should do higher, and that is very clear for each single member of the crew.”
Leclerc admitted that he doesn’t have a exact concept of the place the SF-25 is missing, however he sees the state of affairs as comparatively easy: “If I knew precisely the place we had been falling quick, issues can be simpler. I can say that in comparison with final season, ourselves, Mercedes and Purple Bull have made roughly the identical step ahead. However there may be one crew that discovered one thing particular, and that’s McLaren. I additionally suppose Purple Bull has discovered a part of the answer, which now we have seen within the final two races, whereas neither we nor Mercedes have managed to take action but.”
The main target then shifted to the Singapore weekend. Returning to a high-downforce circuit might be excellent news for Ferrari, however Charles Leclerc was not satisfied: “We can not count on miracles, however I wish to make it clear that what we noticed in Baku doesn’t mirror the potential we had. We didn’t do a very good job in qualifying, and I used to be the primary to fail to place every thing collectively in Q3 as I ought to have. Having stated that, I don’t suppose we will count on to be extra aggressive right here in Singapore in comparison with Baku. In actual fact, I’ve the sensation McLaren can have an excellent greater benefit on a observe like this. Then, in comparison with our fundamental rivals—which at this level is especially Mercedes—we needs to be in a barely higher place if the temperatures stay excessive, and I imagine that would be the case.”
When reminded that he had made roughly the identical remarks on the eve of the Hungarian Grand Prix, the place he went on to take pole place, Charles Leclerc raised his arms: “I hope it occurs once more! However actually, I nonetheless battle to know what occurred in Hungary. There have been swings of seven tenths between Q1 and Q2 and the identical between Q2 and Q3, and I believe no person actually understood what brought on these variations. It was a tough however lovely session, although I don’t count on the identical circumstances this weekend. Let’s simply say it is vitally unlikely, however I’ll give every thing to attempt once more.”
Twelve months in the past, Ferrari was on the verge of what would change into a wonderful season finale, with victories in Austin and Mexico Metropolis. However looking forward to the upcoming rounds, Charles Leclerc was cautious about the potential for attaining at the least one race win: “I believe it is vitally unlikely. Sadly, McLaren could be very robust even in scorching circumstances. So sure, with excessive temperatures we could affirm ourselves stronger than Mercedes, however definitely not stronger than McLaren. I don’t suppose we’ll get the higher of them. That stated, by no means say by no means—maybe one other likelihood might be Las Vegas, which is a really uncommon circuit.” – the Monegasque driver identified throughout Thursday’s press convention on the Marina Bay Road Circuit.
Charles Leclerc concluded with a broader reflection: “We’re in a really completely different state of affairs in comparison with final yr. To sum it up as merely as attainable: I believe Mercedes could be very robust when it’s chilly, and we appear to be stronger when it’s scorching. So trying on the subsequent races, I hope will probably be as scorching as attainable. If that occurs, we can have a higher benefit, additionally when it comes to adapting to trace traits. This weekend I count on excessive temperatures, and that is a bonus we should seize as a possibility to shut the hole that also separates us from them.”
Oct 2, 2025
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