Charles Leclerc admits defeat: “This is the current potential of the SF-25”

Charles Leclerc admits defeat: “This is the current potential of the SF-25” | USA GP Sprint Qualifying. Charles Leclerc admitted Ferrari reached its limit in Austin Sprint Qualifying.

It was far from a simple Friday for Charles Leclerc at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas. The Ferrari driver ended Sprint Qualifying in tenth position after a complicated session in which the SF-25 failed to match the pace of Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes. Following gearbox issues during free practice and the replacement of the entire transmission unit, Charles Leclerc never seemed completely comfortable behind the wheel, struggling especially in the bumpiest sections of the Austin track.

Charles Leclerc’s words after Sprint Qualifying

The Monegasque driver commented on his performance with realism, clearly acknowledging the current limits of Ferrari. “I would be very surprised if we find something that gives us a big step forward,” said Leclerc. “This is the potential of the SF-25 at the moment. We are trying to maximize everything we have, but the gap to the front remains evident.”

With tenth place making Ferrari’s weekend more complicated, Charles Leclerc emphasized the need to work on the car’s balance ahead of the Sprint and, more importantly, Sunday’s Grand Prix. “The team is doing everything possible to improve the balance and the car,” he explained. “We must try to recover as many positions as possible and bring home some important points for the Constructors’ Championship.” – the Monegasque driver pointed out at the end of the Sprint Qualifying session in Austin.

Despite recognizing the difficulties, Charles Leclerc showed patience and self-awareness. “We have to be realistic at this stage; the situation is what it is,” he admitted. “We need consistency and focus to do the best we can.”