Charles Leclerc Holds Slim Hope for Ferrari Victory in Baku

Despite Ferrari's struggles this season, Charles Leclerc believes a victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix isn't entirely out of reach. With four consecutive pole positions in Baku since 2021, Leclerc remains "convinced" that a strong performance, possibly even a win, is achievable at the challenging street circuit, though he acknowledges the formidable competition from McLaren and Red Bull.

Why it matters:

Ferrari has consistently struggled to convert Leclerc's sensational one-lap pace in Baku into race wins, highlighting a persistent race pace deficit. A breakthrough victory at this unique circuit would not only boost team morale but also signal a potential turning point in their season, proving they can contend with the sport's top teams under specific conditions.

The Details:

• Qualifying King: Charles Leclerc has secured pole position at the Baku City Circuit for four consecutive years, starting in 2021, showcasing his exceptional single-lap speed at the 6.003 km track.
• Race Day Challenge: Despite his qualifying dominance, Leclerc has yet to secure a victory in Azerbaijan, primarily due to Ferrari's historical struggles with race pace at the venue.
• Formidable Competition: McLaren is considered a strong favorite for the weekend, having shown impressive form. Red Bull, with Max Verstappen's recent dominant win in Monza, is also expected to be highly competitive.
• Leclerc's Optimism: Leclerc expressed to RacingNews365 and other select media that his confidence stems from past experiences where Ferrari outperformed expectations in qualifying, even when not considered favorites.
• Acknowledging Reality: He tempered expectations by stating, "I don't have a big hope that this year is going to be significantly different" regarding race pace, acknowledging McLaren's recent gains.
• Strategic Opportunity: Leclerc views Baku as one of the few remaining circuits this season where Ferrari might have a "bit more of a chance" to contend for a win, underscoring its unique characteristics that sometimes level the playing field.

What's next:

Ferrari will need to find significant improvements in their long-run pace to convert Leclerc's qualifying prowess into a tangible race result. While a pole position would provide the best starting platform, the focus will be on managing tire degradation and maintaining competitiveness against the likes of McLaren and Red Bull over a full race distance. A strong performance in Baku, even if not a win, could provide crucial momentum as the season progresses.