Charles Leclerc didn’t hold back when addressing the brewing controversy surrounding McLaren’s alleged use of an illegal rear wing that has seemingly boosted their performance this season. Fresh off a close battle in Baku where he fell short against Oscar Piastri’s MCL38, Leclerc hinted at his rivals’ questionable tactics as he discussed Ferrari’s recent upgrades ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix.
Leclerc, who has been in stellar form lately, securing a brilliant win at Monza and climbing to third in the drivers’ championship, made a pointed remark during an interview, subtly accusing McLaren of bending the rules. “We have not implemented a mini-DRS,” the Monegasque quipped, referencing the accusations that McLaren’s rear wing provided them an unfair advantage on the straights.
Leclerc’s comments come at a time when Ferrari is clawing its way back into contention after a series of underwhelming performances following their victory in Monaco earlier this year. The Maranello team has made significant strides, and Leclerc has been the driving force behind this resurgence, leading the charge with consistent top finishes.
The 26-year-old topped the timesheets in FP1 on Friday at Marina Bay, setting the pace ahead of a crucial weekend for Ferrari. With hopes of replicating his pole position from Baku, Leclerc is determined to make amends for the narrow defeat in Azerbaijan, where he missed victory by mere tenths of a second.
Despite Ferrari’s recent success, Leclerc has emphasized the need for the team to stay focused on refining their car and strategy rather than getting caught up in title ambitions too soon. “We’re working hard, and it’s all about the process right now, not the championship,” Leclerc stated, praising his team’s resilience and dedication in the face of tough competition from Red Bull and Mercedes.
As the championship battle heats up under the lights in Singapore, Ferrari sees this race as an opportunity for redemption. With Leclerc leading the charge, the Maranello team is eager to capitalize on their momentum and challenge for victory against their rivals, including McLaren, whose contentious rear wing remains a hot topic on the grid.
