Charles Leclerc, the highly-regarded Ferrari driver, has candidly shared his thoughts on the potential of Ferrari’s 2025 Formula 1 car, the SF-25. Despite expressing optimism about the vehicle’s potential, Leclerc acknowledged that it falls short when compared to the performance of McLaren’s current race car.
Ferrari had ended the previous season on a high note, leading to high expectations for a neck-and-neck competition with McLaren in the current season. These expectations seemed justified when Leclerc made waves by topping the FP2 in Australia. However, as the season-opening weekend unfolded, Ferrari’s performance took a nosedive.
Ferrari’s underwhelming performance, marked by a seventh and eighth position on the grid, was a bitter pill to swallow. The team’s struggle in changing conditions, coupled with strategic missteps, resulted in a disappointing total of five points.
Despite this setback, Leclerc, who led the Ferrari team by finishing eighth, remains confident about the SF-25’s performance. Speaking ahead of the forthcoming Chinese Grand Prix, Leclerc asserted that the car had more to offer than what was displayed at Albert Park.
“We learned a lot from the first weekend,” said Leclerc. “Sure, things didn’t go as planned, but it was only the first race of the season. We’ve gained valuable insights since then, and I believe we’re poised to put these pieces together and advance as we head into this weekend.”
While Leclerc stood firm in his belief about the SF-25’s capabilities, he also acknowledged that it would be a tall order to match McLaren’s impressive performance. “The team is incredibly motivated to bounce back,” said Leclerc. “There was a lot of buzz during the off-season, but I don’t think we’re quite on the same level as McLaren just yet. However, I believe we’re closer than what was evident in Melbourne.”
Leclerc hinted that Ferrari’s strategy might revolve around specific circuit characteristics that play to their advantage until they can implement necessary upgrades. When asked about the expected impact of these upgrades, Leclerc responded, “It’s hard to predict. Even minor differences can significantly influence on-track performance. The track layout can also play a crucial role in determining speed.”
Drawing a comparison with the last season, Leclerc added, “If you look at the last four or five races of the previous year, Mercedes dominated in Las Vegas, we were fast in Mexico, and McLaren was quick in Abu Dhabi, all with essentially the same car. At this point in the season, upgrades aren’t usually introduced, so there are many factors at play. We need to remain calm.”
Clearly, while Ferrari’s 2025 potential is promising, there’s work to be done before they can challenge the likes of McLaren. For now, fans and pundits alike will be watching keenly to see how Ferrari navigates the rest of the season.