Morale at Ferrari has improved considerably after Charles Leclerc’s first podium of the season on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. After a really difficult Saturday, the Monegasque driver delivered an distinctive race by way of tire administration and tempo, sustaining sturdy efficiency each on Medium and Exhausting compounds. He made an unstoppable restoration on George Russell, finally overtaking him, and likewise managed to defend himself towards the ultimate assaults from a fired-up Lando Norris. The Jeddah race showcased, not less than partially, the potential of the SF-25. Nevertheless, performing nicely on Sunday isn’t sufficient to intention for victory or constantly attain the rostrum. Leclerc is aware of this and, not surprisingly, emphasised that vital updates can be wanted to deal with the present important difficulty for Ferrari: qualifying.
“What we’re lacking now could be qualifying efficiency. It comes a bit from the dearth of aerodynamic downforce in comparison with McLaren, Purple Bull, and Mercedes,” Charles said after the Jeddah race. “Our sturdy level, nevertheless, is tire degradation. We noticed through the race that it was superb, however in qualifying we are able to’t do higher, and that’s the place we lose each weekend.”
“Nevertheless, there are various issues that I’ve to be joyful about. For a number of weekends now, I’ve been understanding one thing that unlocked efficiency, and it’ll unlock much more efficiency for me. It’s been a very long time since I felt as snug within the automobile as I do now, however we have to discover extra efficiency basically.”
Presently, it appears troublesome to think about a Ferrari closing the efficiency hole to McLaren in just some races. Leclerc, actually, believes that solely in Barcelona will issues change. Through the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, checks on wing flex can be stricter, and that’s the place Ferrari hopes—not less than in line with Leclerc’s phrases—to cut back the hole to the MCL39, as a result of drawback the brand new laws ought to convey to the papaya automobiles.
“Profitable is the one factor that issues to me. We will meet up with McLaren with the updates that can come. There may also be an vital race in Spain when the entrance wing will change as a result of laws. We’ll see how the efficiency compares then. Earlier than that weekend, it is going to be troublesome to shut the hole to McLaren.”
Returning to Ferrari, Charles didn’t disguise his satisfaction with each his personal efficiency—he was joyful along with his qualifying tempo and the way he managed the race—and the workforce’s efficiency. The mechanics at Maranello have had a wonderful season by way of pit stops. Yesterday, they managed to carry out a tire change on Charles Leclerc’s SF-25 (from Medium to Exhausting) in simply 2 seconds. A fantastic end result that helped Charles rejoin Russell and make the assault in a somewhat quick time. The overtake resulted in a podium, his first of the season.
“I’m pleased with my efficiency and the workforce’s efficiency. As a result of the workforce did every little thing completely. The technique was good, the pit cease was good as at all times. The blokes within the pit cease are doing a rare job. There’s loads of speak about pit stops when there are errors, however not a lot when every little thing goes nicely, and they’re doing an ideal job.”
Apr 21, 2025
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