Leclerc Doubts Ferrari Can Maintain Second in Constructors' Championship

Charles Leclerc believes it will be 'very, very tough' for Ferrari to secure second place in the Constructors' Championship, despite currently holding a narrow lead. With only four rounds remaining, Mercedes is just one point behind, and a resurgent Red Bull trails by only ten points.

The Scuderia had a strong start to the season, consistently battling for the runner-up spot behind the dominant McLaren. However, a dip in form after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix saw them fall behind Mercedes, especially after George Russell's victory in Singapore left Ferrari 27 points adrift of the Silver Arrows and only eight ahead of Red Bull.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's ambition to finish second in the Constructors' Championship is a crucial marker of their progress and stability. After a challenging period, securing this position would validate the team's efforts and provide a strong foundation for future seasons. Losing out on this spot, especially to rivals like Mercedes and Red Bull, would be a significant blow to their morale and strategic goals.

The details:

• Ferrari currently leads the race for second place, with Mercedes just one point behind and Red Bull ten points back.
• The team's performance has fluctuated this season; they fell behind Mercedes after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and were 27 points adrift after Singapore.
• Recent Momentum: Strong performances in Austin and Mexico City have allowed Ferrari to reclaim control of second in the standings.
• Leclerc's Assessment: When asked if the SF-25 is fast enough to hold on, Leclerc stated, 'It's going to be very, very tough. If I look back at the last two weekends, yes. If I look before these two weekends, not really.'
• Winless Season: Ferrari is the only one of the top four teams yet to win a Grand Prix this season, marking 12 months since their last victory.
• Team Principal's Focus: Team Principal Fred Vasseur has emphasized that the primary focus is retaining second place in the Constructors' standings, rather than securing a race win.

What's next:

Ferrari's ability to maintain their current position will depend on consistent performance in the final four races in Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. Leclerc stresses the need for 'perfect execution' in each race, mirroring their strong outings in Austin and Mexico City.

• The team needs to treat each Grand Prix individually, ensuring flawless strategy and execution.
• Achieving this level of consistent performance is challenging but essential for securing their target of second place in the Constructors' Championship.