Despite not surpassing Red Bull at the beginning of the season, Ferrari has displayed notable progress, as Carlos Sainz secured a place on the podium in Bahrain and Leclerc finished third in Saudi Arabia. Charles Leclerc maintains a positive outlook on Ferrari’s future, stating that it is only a matter of time before they catch up to the leading Red Bull team. This performance indicates a stronger start for Ferrari compared to the previous year, bolstering the team’s hopes of closing the gap with their rivals.
Reflecting on the progress, Leclerc expressed, “If I look back over the last six, seven months, we are the team that has made the most improvement and we are gradually narrowing the gap.” He believes that consistent effort will eventually increase the pressure on Red Bull. However, Leclerc is managing expectations for immediate advancements, particularly at the upcoming race in Australia, as there will be no new updates to their car. He admitted, “I don’t think we’ll have many new things in Melbourne,” emphasizing the importance of maximizing their current package.
“Ferrari’s strategy involves making incremental improvements, focusing on areas that can provide even slight time advantages on the track,” Leclerc highlighted. He emphasized that three or four tenths of a second is significant in the world of motorsport, underscoring the cumulative impact of minor enhancements. Despite the challenges, he remains confident in Ferrari’s direction and their ability to concentrate on critical areas for development.
As the season progresses, the rivalry between Ferrari and Red Bull becomes a focal point, with Red Bull already establishing a significant lead in the constructors’ championship. Verstappen currently leads the drivers’ standings, followed by his teammate Perez and then Leclerc. With a long season ahead, Ferrari remains dedicated to narrowing the gap and challenging Red Bull’s dominance. They are driven by a clear understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement. Leclerc’s optimism and strategic outlook highlight Ferrari’s determination to compete at the highest level.