Charles Leclerc not making predictions about Ferrari expectations, but “ultimate goal is the F1 title”. Charles Leclerc suggests that the pecking order in Melbourne may not be definitive.

Melbourne, what to expect?
What emerged from the Bahrain tests did not provide a clear picture of the competitive hierarchy ahead of the first race of the season in Australia. McLaren certainly appeared very competitive over long runs, but it is unclear how much the weather conditions influenced the results and whether the British team and its rivals—Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull—were hiding their true potential.

Charles Leclerc looks at the long term
In recent days, much has been said about the impressions given by Charles Leclerc’s interviews, in which he has maintained a decidedly low profile, avoiding any bold statements, either positive or negative. Many interpreted his words and expressions as a sign of disappointment, but they are more likely a display of caution aimed at avoiding unnecessary pressure on the team.

Charles Leclerc’s comments to Sky Italia align with this approach: “The ultimate goal remains to bring home the title. I won’t make predictions about our expectations because often, when you finally put the car on track, things turn out differently than you imagined, and testing doesn’t provide a precise idea of the pecking order.” – the Monegasque driver pointed out.

To support his point, Charles Leclerc referenced last year’s example: “In 2024, Red Bull started extremely strong, dominating everything there was to dominate, but in the Constructors’ Championship, they finished behind us.” In short, patience and composure are needed, with the awareness that a long road lies ahead, consisting of 24 Grands Prix and 6 Sprints.