Charles Leclerc has conceded that Ferrari is unlikely to match McLaren's pace on any of the remaining F1 tracks this season, despite Ferrari holding second place in the Constructors' Championship.
Why it matters
McLaren has shown dominant form, winning 11 of the 14 Grands Prix so far this campaign. This consistent performance has created a significant gap in both the drivers' and constructors' standings. In contrast, Ferrari remains the only team among the top four without a race win this year, highlighting a clear performance deficit.
The details
- McLaren's Consistency: "I don't think there's one track at the moment where we think we are stronger than McLaren," Leclerc stated, adding, "Consistently, McLaren is going to be the strongest car this year."
- Ferrari's Position: Despite their winless streak, Ferrari currently sits second in the Constructors' Championship, ahead of Mercedes and Red Bull, primarily due to consistent points finishes.
- Direct Comparison: Leclerc highlighted McLaren as the constant top performer, contrasting them with Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari, which he described as more "up and down."
What's next
Leclerc expressed a realistic outlook for the remaining events, suggesting Ferrari won't enter any race as a favorite. "For now, I don't think there are any tracks where I go to and think we will be the favorite, but I hope I'll be surprised," he concluded, underscoring the challenge ahead for the Scuderia.