Ferrari’s upgrade didn’t shine in Bahrain, but Leclerc believes Jeddah’s high-speed layout will finally reveal its true value.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is feeling optimistic ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, believing that the car’s recent upgrades will show their true potential on the fast streets of Jeddah.
After Ferrari introduced a new floor at the Bahrain Grand Prix, Leclerc admitted the gains there were minimal, but he’s confident that the upgrade will be far more effective this weekend. The team is working hard to close the gap to McLaren, and Jeddah’s high-speed layout could be the perfect place to make a statement.
“I think we should see a small step forward — more than we did in Bahrain, which is encouraging,” said Leclerc. “We still need to confirm everything on track, but the numbers we expected in Bahrain matched what we saw. That’s a good sign, and on a track like this, I think we’ll benefit even more.”
He explained that overall grip has improved, and the car feels more stable, especially in fast corners — a key area for performance in Saudi Arabia.
As for where Ferrari stands in the current pecking order, Leclerc believes they’re neck-and-neck with Mercedes, while Red Bull remains a bit of a mystery. But McLaren, he says, still holds a slim advantage — roughly two to three tenths of a second per lap.
“I honestly think we could’ve been on the podium in Bahrain without the safety car, but that’s racing,” he said. “We’re moving in the right direction. I don’t know if a podium is realistic this weekend or the next, but it’s coming. We’ve been trying different things lately, and I really like that approach.”
“But I’m not just aiming for a podium — a win is what we’re all chasing.”
Despite the stiff competition, Leclerc remains highly motivated, always pushing to extract the maximum from his car, even when it’s not the fastest on the grid.
“Of course, it’s frustrating when you drive a perfect race and fourth place is the best you can get. But then the next race comes around, and I’m back in the car with the same fire,” he said.
“That’s what keeps me going — the challenge of trying to do something special, maybe even winning in a car that isn’t the best. That’s where I find my motivation. So no, motivation will never be an issue for me.”
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Leclerc: Ferrari’s Jeddah Gamble Could Pay Off Big
Leclerc: Ferrari’s Jeddah Gamble Could Pay Off Big
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