Ferrari and Charles Leclerc target Spanish Grand Prix upgrades as key moment to revive 2025 F1 season and close gap to McLaren.
Charles Leclerc admits he does not understand the reasons behind Ferrari’s disappointing start to the 2025 F1 season, but improvements are on the way.
Ferrari has secured only one podium in the first seven races, with Leclerc finishing third in Saudi Arabia. The team has shown flashes of brilliance, such as during the Sprint in China or the race in Imola, but has rarely matched the pace of the leading McLarens.
The contrast is stark compared to last year, when Ferrari finished second in the Constructors’ Championship, just 14 points behind McLaren.
Ferrari has identified a fundamental issue at the rear of its car and is reportedly working on a new rear suspension. This problem could be resolved by the British Grand Prix.
Speaking at the Monaco Grand Prix, Leclerc made it clear that Ferrari is not ready to give up on this season yet.
“No, we absolutely do not want to give up now. It’s still a bit early. We’re soon approaching mid-season. We can’t afford to give up now. We saw last year how quickly things can change when McLaren brought its upgrades.”
“I think in Barcelona, this new regulation on front wings will mark another key turning point in the season. We will then see whether it benefits us or not. After that, Fred (Vasseur) will probably have to decide whether it’s the right time to begin preparing for next season; that will be extremely important to get off to a strong start.”
“What’s the issue with this car? I wish I knew. What’s planned? We have several upgrades, but I can’t give a timeline. The timelines keep changing because the team is working hard to implement them as soon as possible, so there are things in progress. Will it be enough to close the gap? I hope so, but being in front and fighting for the win, I’m not sure yet. The Spanish Grand Prix in early June could be a turning point in the title race.”
The FIA is cracking down on flexible front wings, and the significant impact of this restriction has been widely debated. McLaren believes it won’t be affected, while Red Bull is convinced it will benefit from it.
“All the cars will be affected!” says Leclerc. “Whether positively or negatively. Again, that remains to be seen. Honestly, I don’t think we’ll be too affected, but time will tell.”
“We’ll see if other teams are more impacted, and hopefully that will help us close the gap a bit. I don’t think it will be a game-changer.”
“I don’t think we’ll see a radical change in the hierarchy like today, but it could make a small difference, and I hope it works in our favor.”
Leclerc and Vasseur have no intention of leaving Ferrari despite the frustration
Both men fully intend to remain with the Scuderia.
Charles Leclerc has responded to claims suggesting he might grow tired of racing in red and should look for a new challenge.
The 27-year-old driver, now in his seventh season with Ferrari, appears increasingly frustrated with not having a car capable of winning the championship.
Already, some voices in the Italian media are calling on Ferrari to abandon the 2025 car and focus entirely on the brand-new 2026 project. Leclerc agrees that the decision to continue or halt development on the 2025 car will be made after the new front wing regulations take effect next week in Barcelona.
“Fred will probably have to decide if it’s the right time to move on and prepare for next season. What’s wrong with this car? I’d really like to know,” he said in Monaco.
“Fred” is, of course, Fred Vasseur, the team principal, who, although very close to Leclerc, is also under scrutiny from the Italian press.
Mattia Binotto, who knows the Maranello setup well, stated, “The scapegoat standard applies at Ferrari, but it doesn’t solve the problem.”
Leclerc denies that Vasseur might lose his personal support.
“I’ve always said I have total confidence in Fred and I really think he’s the one who can bring Ferrari back to the top.”
“He’s truly the one who can make Ferrari win. I’ve always said it and I really hope we’ll succeed together in bringing Ferrari back to the top.”
As for the rumors surrounding his patience with Ferrari, Vasseur insisted, “I’m not considering leaving Ferrari. Not at all.”
Leclerc should leave Ferrari
Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner believes it may be time for Charles Leclerc to take on a new challenge.
Leclerc has been at Ferrari since 2019, after replacing Kimi Räikkönen. Although he has made the team his own by outperforming Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz, Ferrari has failed to provide him with the tools to fight for a world title.
2024 has arguably been Leclerc’s best season so far, particularly in terms of consistency. However, Ferrari has rarely had the fastest car despite five victories.
“I’ll say it, he needs a new challenge. I think he’s been there a long time, and sometimes change is good, like Lewis leaving Mercedes for Ferrari.”
“I think for Charles, it would be like something new, because at some point, everything becomes routine.”
“He’s not in a position to win a championship, so if he moves elsewhere, maybe he’ll get lucky, you never know.”
“But he could also be unlucky and join the wrong team, like Fernando Alonso.”
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