Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc dubbed last weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix a “damage limitation” exercise as the team battles to stay within striking distance of McLaren in the constructors’ championship. In a race defined by relentless rain and a grid-shaking drive from Max Verstappen, who soared from 17th to victory, Leclerc held on for a hard-fought fifth place. Despite Carlos Sainz’s early crash, Ferrari managed to keep losses to a minimum, closing the weekend just 36 points behind McLaren.
With Lando Norris starting from pole and McLaren grabbing a one-two in the Sprint, Ferrari had its work cut out from the get-go. But Leclerc, who ultimately edged Norris to finish fifth, reflected on the outcome as an unexpected win for the Scuderia in the circumstances. “To only lose four points to McLaren when they seemed so strong—it’s a big damage limitation. Now we have three races to put it all together,” he said.
Leclerc admitted to shouldering some responsibility for the car’s race setup, which ultimately proved difficult to handle in race conditions. “I wanted to go in that direction,” he explained. “It was the wrong route. Qualifying wasn’t bad, but in the race, we were nowhere. It was extremely difficult to drive without making mistakes.”
The wet race presented unique challenges for Ferrari, including a strategic misstep when Leclerc pitted early for new intermediates. Aiming for free air to maximize pace, he instead found himself rejoining in traffic—a gamble that backfired as he struggled to find space and lost several positions.
“That was a mistake,” Leclerc said candidly. “Races like this are tricky, and only the top three managed without errors. We tried to box for clear air, but with the wet pit entry and exit times, I was caught in traffic with Ollie and Lewis. Then, with the Safety Car, we dropped three or four spots.”
As Ferrari looks ahead to the final three races, Leclerc is hopeful the team can turn the corner. “We have to learn from this, and I think we’re close to getting it right. Every point counts now.” With just three rounds remaining, Ferrari’s showdown with McLaren continues—one that could ultimately decide the fate of the constructors’ championship.
