Leclerc Doubts Ferrari's P2 Chances Amidst Tightening Constructor Battle

Charles Leclerc, despite recent strong performances, has voiced skepticism about Ferrari's ability to secure second place in the Constructors' Championship. The Scuderia is currently locked in a fierce three-way battle with Mercedes and Red Bull, with only a few points separating the teams as the season nears its end.

Why it matters:

The fight for P2 in the Constructors' Championship isn't just about bragging rights; it carries significant financial implications for teams. A higher standing translates to increased prize money and better positioning for future sponsorships and development budgets, crucial for challenging for the Drivers' Championship in upcoming seasons.

The Details:

• Ferrari achieved consecutive podium finishes at the United States and Mexico City Grands Prix, momentarily placing them ahead of Mercedes and Red Bull in the Constructors' Standings.
• Leclerc, however, remains cautious, stating, "It's going to be very, very tough" to maintain their current position against their rivals in the remaining four rounds.
• He acknowledged Ferrari's inconsistent form prior to these two strong weekends, citing subpar performances in the Netherlands, Italy, Azerbaijan, and Singapore.
• Leclerc emphasized the need for "perfect execution race by race" and consistently performing at a high level, noting, "It's very difficult to be performing at this level all the time."
• Championship Standings: The Constructors' Championship remains incredibly tight, with Ferrari holding a slender one-point lead over Mercedes. All three teams – Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull – are separated by just 10 points.

The Big Picture:

Red Bull's recent dip in performance at the Mexico GP was largely attributed to the high altitude and the resulting cooling optimization requirements, which compromised their aerodynamic efficiency. This anomaly allowed Ferrari and Mercedes to close the gap. With the remaining races at lower altitudes, Red Bull is expected to return to its dominant form, adding another layer of challenge for Ferrari and Mercedes.

What's next:

• Ferrari's objective for the rest of the 2025 season is to maintain the performance standard they've set in the last two races. Leclerc hopes this will be "enough to give us second in the Constructors."
• The return of Red Bull to full strength will intensify the battle, making consistent top-tier performance from Ferrari crucial.
• The championship fight is poised to go down to the wire, with every point vital in the final four rounds of the season. Teams will be pushing their development and race strategies to the absolute limit.