Ferrari’s F1 Revival Stalls as Leclerc Waits in Vain

Leclerc questions how long it will take Ferrari to close the gap, as the SF-25 still underdelivers in crucial race conditions.

Charles Leclerc is growing increasingly impatient as Ferrari continues its slow push back to the front of the Formula 1 grid. After finishing just off the podium in Bahrain, behind the McLaren duo and George Russell, the Monegasque driver pointed to one clear issue — the performance of the SF-25.

“Yes, but I don’t think much has changed — maybe just a little,” Leclerc said. “Honestly, we just weren’t quick enough. I started struggling behind George [Russell] because the tires were overheating.”

Leclerc believes they had a chance to pressure Russell into an earlier pit stop, which might have opened an opportunity. But the pace simply wasn’t there. And when you’re lacking speed, he said, no strategy can save you.

“It didn’t matter what we tried. Without the raw pace, you’re always playing catch-up. We’re just not fast enough right now.”

The SF-25, Ferrari’s current machine, is clearly falling short — especially on race day. While Leclerc admits the team can hide some of the car’s weaknesses in qualifying, the real test comes over race distance, and that’s where things unravel.

“We just need more downforce. More grip. The balance is okay, and we’re getting the most out of it. But there’s no extra margin. I need more grip to really push through the corners.”

“In qualifying, we can mask it with some clever driving and setup tricks. But in the race, a lack of grip is a lack of grip — and that leads to more tire degradation. It all snowballs from there. Races are just tougher.”

Frustration is starting to show. Leclerc is eager to take the next step — the one that puts Ferrari in genuine title contention. But that step still feels out of reach.

“I don’t really know,” he said when asked how long the wait will be. “It feels like the tunnel is a bit longer than I’d hoped. I’m sure we’ll get there eventually — but when? That’s the real question.”

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Ferrari’s F1 Revival Stalls as Leclerc Waits in Vain Ferrari’s F1 Revival Stalls as Leclerc Waits in Vain