Charles Leclerc admits Ferrari SF25 limits in painful team radio: “Sliding with all four tyres” | Jeddah FP3. Charles Leclerc delivered a disheartened team radio during Jeddah FP3.

The fifth-place finish, over eight tenths behind the McLarens in FP3, cannot satisfy the Scuderia’s lead driver. Arriving in Saudi Arabia with podium ambitions, Charles Leclerc encountered the “real limitation” of the Ferrari during the final practice session in Jeddah, made evident through the fast Saudi corners.

The third and final free practice session in Saudi Arabia showcased an untouchable McLaren. Norris and Piastri, separated by just 0.024s, set their lap times with surreal composure, opening up a gap of over six tenths to the rest of the field.

Although Ferrari came to Jeddah hoping to be the leading force behind the papaya-colored cars, it was George Russell who emerged as the closest challenger to the McLaren pair in FP3.

The Ferraris struggled more than expected, and compared to Friday, the feeling behind the wheel hadn’t improved much. A stunned Lewis Hamilton observed the gap to Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri with disbelief, while Leclerc faced what he himself described as the car’s “true limitation.”

Tyres Are the “Real Limitation” of the Ferrari: Charles Leclerc’s Team Radio in Jeddah
In a radio message during the final moments of FP3, Charles Leclerc shared his feedback with the pit wall. “Uh… uh… I think this is the real limitation of the car,” said the 27-year-old Ferrari driver.

Charles Leclerc had tried to push on soft tyres, but was unable to extract the maximum from them. “I couldn’t go any faster through the corners,” he admitted. “I was just sliding with all four tyres.”

Charles Leclerc’s team radio confirms one of the most common impressions about the new 2025 Ferrari — it struggles to make the most of the Pirelli tyres. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, along with the team, are still working to understand tyre behavior on the Maranello car. The balance is delicate, and the SF-25 doesn’t allow its drivers to easily unlock competitive performance.

However, the update Ferrari introduced in Bahrain does seem to be bearing fruit — a positive sign for the team, which remains determined to push forward and return to the front of the pack.