Charles Leclerc, the Ferrari driver, is not holding back on his opinions about the team’s performance. Despite showing some improvements, Leclerc expressed his concerns about the lack of speed and grip in the SF-25.
After securing a fourth-place finish in the Japanese Grand Prix qualifying, Leclerc acknowledged the progress but emphasized that Ferrari is still lagging behind competitors like McLaren and Red Bull. The gap to the pole position remains significant at +0.318 seconds.
In a candid conversation with journalists, Leclerc revealed the modifications made to the car, which have provided some positive feedback in terms of handling. However, he admitted that these changes have not translated into a significant performance boost: “I am finding answers to what I need, which is positive. But this is not unlocking performance. I can be more often at 100% in the car, which will give me confidence. But the performances and grip remain the same.”
Despite some improvements in balance, Leclerc highlighted the team’s ongoing struggle with speed and grip, essential elements for challenging the front-runners in the competition. He expressed hope that upcoming updates will help bridge the gap and enhance the overall performance of the car.
Leclerc’s frank assessment of Ferrari’s current status reflects a mix of optimism and realism. While he has made personal strides in adapting to the car, the overarching issue of speed and grip continues to hinder Ferrari’s ability to compete at the highest level. Fans are eager to see if Ferrari can address these concerns and deliver stronger performances in the upcoming races.