From Australia to China, Ferrari changes: Charles Leclerc reassures the fans. Ferrari wants to turn things around in China: Charles Leclerc previews the Shanghai GP.

Just a week after the disappointing debut in Melbourne, Ferrari already has the chance to turn the page in China. Charles Leclerc trusts in the new SF-25 and the team, which is “determined to overturn the situation.”

The eighth and tenth places in Australia certainly did not satisfy Ferrari, which had entered the season as a serious threat to McLaren, the reigning world champions. On the semi-street circuit of Albert Park, the papaya-colored cars dominated in terms of performance, pushing back the strong presence of Ferrari seen in free practice.

In both qualifying and the race, Ferrari disappeared, falling to the edge of the points zone. Arriving in Shanghai on Thursday, Charles Leclerc appeared confident and optimistic: “The team is very motivated to turn things around,” said the Monegasque.

Charles Leclerc from China: “McLaren still ahead, but we’re close”
Maranello’s number 16 tempered some excessive enthusiasm. Ferrari is in the mix, but a head-to-head battle with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri is not yet on the cards: “A lot was said about us over the winter. However, I don’t think we are at McLaren’s level yet.” – he pointed out.

It will take a few races to fight on equal terms, but the situation is not as dire as it seemed in Australia. In Shanghai, Ferrari aims to step up compared to the opening weekend of 2025: “We are much closer to McLaren than what we saw in Melbourne.” – the Monegasque driver added during Thursday’s press conference.

“We also showed our potential at times in Australia,” Charles Leclerc recalled. “Unfortunately, we didn’t do it at the right moments of the weekend. But the performance is there. The disappointment in Melbourne does not mean we will be disappointed all season! The team is highly motivated to turn things around here in China.”

The Ferrari duo, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, will try to bounce back in Shanghai. In China, F1 will have its first Sprint weekend of the 2025 season, giving drivers just one hour of free practice to find the optimal setup for the weekend. The work done at the Maranello simulator will be crucial, where Loic Serra immediately headed after Melbourne.