Despite a disappointing performance during the qualifying rounds of the Australian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc remains optimistic about the potential of Ferrari’s 2025 Formula 1 car. The Monaco-born driver was hopeful of contending for the pole position, especially after leading the second practice session ahead of the McLaren team. However, when the rubber met the road, Leclerc could only muster a seventh-place finish on the grid, just one position above his new teammate, Lewis Hamilton.
Leclerc’s initial run in Q3 showed promise, with him trailing Max Verstappen by less than a tenth. Unfortunately, he failed to replicate this performance in his final timed lap. He ended up more than six-tenths behind Lando Norris, who secured the pole position.
The Ferrari driver, candidly discussing the team’s performance, admitted that their speed diminished with each passing session. “As we pushed the car further, we discovered more inconsistencies which was rather disappointing,” Leclerc said during a press conference. He also expressed concern about their inability to maintain pace throughout the qualifying rounds, which was a significant departure from their strong showing during practice.
Leclerc pointed out tyre overheating in the last sector as a potential issue, a problem that was more pronounced during the qualifying round than in the prior practice sessions. He has urged his team to delve deeper into this issue, along with other setup changes made overnight, which he suspects may have negatively impacted the car’s balance.
Despite the team’s struggles in Australia, Leclerc believes that the 2025 Ferrari car has a lot to offer. He was quick to dismiss the notion that the new vehicle has a narrower operating window than its predecessor, the SF-24. “It’s too early to jump to such conclusions,” he responded, although he admitted that the Q3 round was particularly challenging.
Leclerc also downplayed the substantial gap between Ferrari and McLaren during the single lap, asserting that it does not truly represent the SF-25’s capabilities. “It was a tough day in Q3, we lost our balance, and finding the right window was tricky,” he admitted. “However, the gaps seen today are larger than they should be.”
While acknowledging the uphill battle Ferrari faces, Leclerc remains hopeful. He emphasized the importance of staying calm and maximizing points in the upcoming races. “We need to find the right window for this car, as it has a lot of potential,” he confidently stated.
The next race will see Ferrari trail behind both McLarens, Max Verstappen’s Red Bull, George Russell’s Mercedes, Yuki Tsunoda’s Racing Bulls, and Alex Albon’s Williams. Leclerc acknowledged the increased competition in F1, stating, “This is a good thing for F1; we’ve got to be honest.”
As the F1 season unfolds, Ferrari’s performance and ability to bounce back from this setback will undoubtedly be a focal point. Regardless, one thing is certain: Charles Leclerc’s unwavering belief in his team and their potential to improve is a testament to his resilience, and a driving force for Ferrari’s continued pursuit of excellence.
