Super Leclerc and Ferrari shine at Austin: a weekend that started poorly but ended well
Charles Leclerc delivered a standout performance for Ferrari at the United States Grand Prix, finishing on the podium. The Austin weekend in Formula 1 began with difficulties but ultimately ended on a high note. The Circuit of the Americas proved to be exhilarating—a track so well-designed that simply watching the cars and drivers navigate it is a thrill. Lando Norris appeared to wish for an easier layout, while Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen clearly expressed their disagreement after the race through body language alone. In short, the excitement of the weekend was palpable.
Red Bull and Max Verstappen dominate again
Even this race, which was expected to be favorable for McLaren, turned into a triumph for Red Bull under the guidance of Laurent Mekies. Naturally, it was also a victory for the reigning world champion, Max Verstappen. In the end, Oscar Piastri collected 40 points—a total that is neither insignificant nor overwhelming, but enough to put considerable pressure on McLaren’s drivers.
The transformation of the SF-25
Ferrari’s SF-25 was not quite a race-winning car, but it demonstrated strong tire management with Pirelli compounds and a pace close to the front-runners. For a significant portion of the race, Charles Leclerc gave the impression that second place was within reach, particularly through his formidable defensive driving in the early stages. Ultimately, finishing second or third makes little difference, except in terms of fan morale. Ferrari’s engineers focused on fine-tuning the car to better activate the tires, and their efforts were successful.
Change is visible in Ferrari
Ferrari appears to have reversed a trend. Normally, the SF-25 tends to lose performance as the weekend progresses, but in Austin, the opposite occurred. A Ferrari this convincing is a reassuring sight, even if it arrives late in the season. Whether this positive trend continues, for instance at the next race in Mexico, remains to be seen. Reason suggests caution, but the heart of Ferrari fans always hopes for more.
McLaren struggles to find consistency
Meanwhile, McLaren had a less impressive weekend. Despite high expectations and numerous promises, the team failed to deliver a standout performance. Lando Norris’s second place and Oscar Piastri’s fifth are commendable results, but they were somewhat predictable given the circumstances. The McLaren duo inevitably clashed at some point, with Oscar Piastri showing a sudden lack of consistency that surprised many observers.
As the tension rises in the closing races of the season, the world championship battle intensifies with the reigning champion Max Verstappen enjoying the spectacle. Fans might want to prepare a large bowl of popcorn for the upcoming races.
Ferrari communication shows signs of improvement
A notable shift seems to be occurring in Ferrari’s communication strategy. There appears to be more cohesion and a unified sense of purpose within the team. Press releases now seem grounded in realism, presenting situations as they are rather than with grandiose promises. This is a small but welcome step, reflecting a more transparent approach to messaging.
These changes reportedly stemmed from a meeting between Frédéric Vasseur and a Ferrari collaborator from the Vigna department at the start of the previous week. The discussion produced tangible positive results, signaling a renewed focus on clarity and effectiveness in the way Ferrari communicates with its fans and the wider F1 community.
Leave a Reply