Charles Leclerc delivers tough words on team radio after Ferrari's Sprint qualifying disaster in Austin

Charles Leclerc delivers tough words on team radio after Ferrari’s Sprint qualifying disaster in Austin. Ferrari falters in Austin, Leclerc candid after Sprint qualifying.

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-25, sidepods, intermediate, 2025 F1

Since returning from the summer break, Ferrari’s performance has been nothing short of disastrous, averaging points typical of a mid-field team. This situation has been made worse by the steady progress of the Scuderia’s direct rivals: in recent races, Mercedes and Red Bull have made concrete gains in performance, closing in on McLaren, which has remained consistently competitive. Ferrari, on the other hand, has lost its way, unable to respond effectively or even patch up the persistent problems that have plagued the SF-25 since the start of the season.

Despite the limited updates introduced throughout the season, these issues have never allowed the team to regain momentum in the championship. Ferrari has effectively become the fourth force on the grid, and unless a significant turnaround occurs, it is unlikely to finish the season in second place in the Constructors’ Championship. A sharp recovery in the final races is crucial, yet the two drivers have expressed different approaches, at least in words.

Different perspectives, same urgency

On Thursday in Austin, Lewis Hamilton explained that he plans to treat the upcoming races as tests for 2026, focusing less on short-term results. “I see the next races as an opportunity to learn and improve processes. There have been moments we haven’t fully exploited, and we’ll continue to work on them. We want to fix what isn’t working. Everyone at the factory deserves a strong result. The goal is to maximize potential and stay focused,” Lewis Hamilton stated.

Charles Leclerc, in a more blunt tone, echoed the sentiment but expressed visible frustration: “It is unacceptable not to have won in a year. We are doing everything possible. We are not competitive compared to McLaren, and now Mercedes and Red Bull. Nobody is satisfied. I hear people say there is no reaction, but I assure you there are strong reactions to get back to winning.” Both Ferrari drivers appear skeptical that the turnaround needed to salvage the season can happen in the final stretch.

Poor qualifying, Charles Leclerc outspoken

So far, the turning point has not arrived. In the Sprint qualifying for the United States GP, Ferrari looked completely off pace, ranking as the sixth team on track — behind even Stroll, Aston Martin, and Williams. The team ended SQ3 with Lewis Hamilton in eighth and Charles Leclerc in tenth, suffering significant gaps, along with technical issues during FP1. The SF-25 proved slow and challenging to handle rather than drive, compounding the difficulties for both drivers.

This disappointing result adds to an already difficult period for the team. Charles Leclerc expressed his frustration immediately over the team radio after the session, using blunt yet honest words that accurately reflected Ferrari’s current situation.

Team: “We’re P10.”

Leclerc: “Considering everything, unfortunately I’m happy with the lap. I think it would be P10, but there was nothing more possible. This is our position.”