Leclerc sees 'advantage' over McLaren and Red Bull in late-season battles

Charles Leclerc believes he can be more aggressive against championship contenders Max Verstappen and the two McLaren drivers in the remaining races. With little to lose in the drivers' standings, Leclerc suggests his rivals might yield more readily in wheel-to-wheel combat, offering him a strategic edge, especially at race starts.

Why it matters:

Ferrari and Leclerc have endured a winless season, but his current position allows for a no-holds-barred approach against drivers who are fighting for the championship. This dynamic could create exciting and unpredictable race scenarios as the season concludes, potentially influencing the title fight.

The Details:

• Oscar Piastri leads the drivers' standings heading into the Mexico City Grand Prix, with Lando Norris just 14 points behind, while Max Verstappen has emerged as an outside contender for a fifth title.
• Leclerc, starting second on the grid behind polesitter Norris in Mexico, recognizes that he has "not much to lose" compared to the championship frontrunners.
• He believes this context gives him "a little bit of an advantage," as Piastri, Norris, and Verstappen are more likely to be "a bit more cautious" in direct battles.
• Leclerc specifically highlighted race starts as a key moment where this perceived advantage could be leveraged.
• The Caveat: Leclerc acknowledged that for this advantage to be effective, Ferrari needs to match the pace of McLaren and Red Bull, which he admits they currently struggle to do.

The Big Picture:

Ferrari's challenging season has left them out of the championship fight, but it presents Leclerc with a unique opportunity to act as a spoiler. While Ferrari aims to improve its performance, Leclerc's mindset adds an intriguing layer to the final races, where every point is crucial for the championship contenders.

What's next:

Leclerc will aim to capitalize on his grid position in Mexico and any opportunities presented by his rivals' cautious approach. If Ferrari can find unexpected pace, his aggressive stance could shake up the battle at the front and potentially influence the outcome of the drivers' championship in the coming races.