What are you able to say to somebody like Charles Leclerc? He’s driving a Ferrari that’s something however good, and but, no offense to his multi-medal-winning teammate, yesterday he made a giant distinction with the SF-25 single-seater. Solely getting on the rostrum definitely was not the outcome anticipated earlier than the beginning of the 2025 Components 1 championship. And but yesterday, when he crossed the end line, his satisfaction over the radio exploded after yet one more sturdy efficiency.
On the finish of each Components 1 race comes the standard crew radio, the place driver and race engineer change scorching takes on the race. On the 6.174-kilometre Jeddah Corniche Circuit, as talked about, feelings had been excessive. Bryan Bozzi got here on the radio to substantiate third place: “P3, nice race Charles.” Then crew principal Frederic Vasseur chimed in, clearly delighted with the rostrum: “Tremendous Charles, thanks!” The Monegasque driver was clearly emotional however even made a joke.
Recalling the disqualification within the Chinese language Grand Prix, he preemptively talked about he would do some pick-up, particularly accumulating tire marbles to extend weight, and recharge the battery. Then he talked in regards to the race, calling it a reasonably powerful one. He congratulated the entire crew, and though he admitted that third place just isn’t the outcome he goals for, he mentioned he was very glad, satisfied that the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix race had been wonderful.
Then he talked in regards to the first stint, the place automobile quantity 16 was very sturdy, particularly within the second half after these forward of him made their pit stops. The identical goes for the second stint, the place Charles Leclerc managed the tires extraordinarily effectively and held off Lando Norris’s comeback. It was a outcome totally earned and pursued by the Ferrari driver, who had already come shut in Japan in his battle with Oscar Piastri throughout a comeback drive.
Charles Leclerc mentioned he was very glad together with his race and, extra usually, with the Maranello crew’s work. He emphasised how the technique was good and the pit cease impeccable, brazenly praising the mechanics who, in his phrases, usually solely get talked about when one thing goes incorrect, however who’re really doing an distinctive job that goes unrecognized.
In accordance with the Monegasque, what Ferrari at the moment lacks is qualifying efficiency. He believes this shortfall primarily stems from an aerodynamic downforce deficit in comparison with Purple Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes. Nevertheless, he acknowledged tire degradation administration as a power, which actually made the distinction throughout the race. He admitted that on Saturdays, not less than for now, he isn’t in a position to carry out at his finest, and this impacts the entire weekend.
Regardless of that, Charles Leclerc feels he’s bettering. The Monegasque driver defined that over the previous few weekends he has been higher understanding some features that, in his view, have allowed him to take a step ahead. He has not felt this snug in his automobile for a very long time, regardless that he’s conscious that extra total efficiency remains to be wanted to actually struggle on the entrance. That could be a non-negotiable purpose for the close to future.
Relating to the struggle with McLaren, Charles Leclerc didn’t conceal the truth that, for now, the hole remains to be important. However he added that with the proper updates, it is going to be potential to shut in. Specifically, he recognized the Barcelona spherical as a key second of the 2025 Components 1 season, when the Technical Directive on versatile wings will debut, concluding by saying that till that time, it is going to be troublesome to shut the hole. Confidence, nevertheless, stays.
— see video above —
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers find out about us
