He had said it after qualifying and then delivered in the race. Charles Leclerc managed to secure a podium finish in the Saudi Arabian GP, Ferrari’s first of the season, after a solid race also thanks to a very quick SF-25 on track.
The Monegasque driver started from fourth position and was able to overtake George Russell thanks to a strong first stint on medium tyres, with low degradation allowing him to extend his pit window. Once on hard tyres, the SF-25 continued to show good pace, eventually finishing third.
Toward the end, Lando Norris’ comeback put pressure on Ferrari’s number 16, but he managed to stay ahead and cross the finish line in front of the British rival.
Charles Leclerc sees the glass half full
After the race, Charles Leclerc commented on the podium achieved by Ferrari in the Saudi Arabian GP. “I’m very happy with my personal performance and with that of the team. Strategy and pit stops were perfect. We only talk about stops when mistakes happen, but this year the mechanics have been perfect,” said the Monegasque.
“We’re lacking performance in qualifying, and it all comes down to a lack of downforce. Our strength is tyre degradation, while in qualifying we lose a lot. For a few weekends now I’ve been figuring some things out, and I’m convinced this will unlock more performance from me. As for the gap to McLaren, I think it’s bridgeable. I want to win, but we need upgrades. Let’s see in Spain since the front wings will change. That will be an important point of the season—before then, closing the gap will be difficult,” Charles Leclerc concluded.
It will therefore be necessary to wait a few more races to understand what Ferrari’s true target for the season might be.
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