Leclerc Admits Ferrari's Struggles: 'Very Different Place to Last Year'

Charles Leclerc candidly admits that Ferrari is in a "very different place" compared to last year, acknowledging the team's challenging 2025 campaign. Despite a strong finish to 2024, the Scuderia has yet to secure a victory this season, lagging behind rivals Mercedes in the constructors' standings.

Why it matters:

After a promising end to last season, Ferrari's current struggles highlight the fluctuating competitive landscape in Formula 1. Leclerc's comments underscore the team's ongoing battle to find consistent pace and reliability, crucial for challenging for second place in the constructors' championship and, ultimately, future titles.

The details:

• Leclerc noted Ferrari's performance is heavily influenced by temperature, stating, "Mercedes is very strong whenever it’s cold, and we seem to be stronger whenever it’s warm."
• He hopes for warmer conditions in the remaining races, believing this will be the primary factor determining their performance.
• Season Performance: Ferrari is the only front-running team yet to secure a victory this year. Leclerc has achieved five podium finishes, while Lewis Hamilton, despite winning the China Sprint, has not had a Grand Prix podium.
• Constructors' Standings: The battle for second place is intense. Mercedes currently holds P2 with 325 points, leading Ferrari (P3) by 27 points and Red Bull (P4) by 35 points.

The big picture:

The fight for second in the constructors' championship is heating up significantly. Mercedes gained crucial points in Singapore, extending their lead over Ferrari, with Red Bull also in close contention. This tight battle emphasizes the importance of every point in the remaining races, as teams vie for prestige and prize money.

What's next:

With several races left in the season, Ferrari's ability to capitalize on warmer track conditions will be critical. Leclerc and the team will be pushing hard to secure a victory and close the gap to Mercedes, aiming to salvage a stronger finish to what has been a challenging year. The 'proper battle' expected by Max Verstappen further indicates that the final Grands Prix will be fiercely contested, with every team looking to maximize their performance.