Ferrari deputy team principal Jérôme d’Ambrosio has shed further light on the braking difficulties experienced by Charles Leclerc during the Monaco Grand Prix, confirming that the issue remains a key area of focus for the Scuderia following the Monegasque driver’s race-ending crash.
Charles Leclerc’s retirement in Monte Carlo sparked widespread discussion throughout the Formula 1 paddock, with attention quickly turning to Ferrari’s braking system and the challenges the Ferrari driver has faced in recent race weekends.
While speculation initially focused on potential hardware failures or component-related issues, Ferrari’s latest comments suggest that the situation may be more closely linked to driver confidence and brake feel rather than a straightforward mechanical defect.
Speaking about the situation, Jérôme d’Ambrosio acknowledged that Charles Leclerc has been struggling to find the level of confidence he needs under braking.
“He has clearly been having difficulties with the feel in the braking zone. He has spoken openly about it. I think now that it’s public knowledge, people know that the drivers are using different solutions for it.
“So, we need to go back to the factory, analyze this in detail and see how we want to move forward. I mean, for us as a team, clearly the important thing is to support the drivers so that they have the right feeling with the car. And that’s something we’ll be doing in the coming days.”
The reference to drivers using different solutions is particularly interesting. Throughout the season, Formula 1 teams have often tailored brake configurations, software settings and brake-by-wire calibrations to suit the preferences of individual drivers. Even teammates can require significantly different setups to achieve the confidence needed to attack braking zones consistently.
In Ferrari’s case, the contrast between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton has become a major talking point. Recent reports have suggested that the two Ferrari drivers have been using different approaches in an effort to maximize braking performance and improve overall confidence behind the wheel.
For Charles Leclerc, braking feel has always been one of the most important aspects of car performance. The Ferrari driver is renowned for his aggressive driving style and ability to carry speed deep into corners, making consistency and predictability under braking essential to extracting maximum performance.
The Monaco Grand Prix highlighted how costly even a small loss of confidence can be. On a circuit lined with barriers and featuring virtually no margin for error, any uncertainty in the braking phase can quickly turn into a major problem.
Ferrari will now return to Maranello to conduct a comprehensive review of the data collected throughout the Monaco weekend. Engineers will examine both the technical aspects of the braking system and the feedback provided by the Monegasque as they search for a solution ahead of the next rounds of the Formula 1 season.
With Ferrari continuing to fight near the front of the grid, ensuring that both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton feel completely comfortable with the car remains a top priority. As Jérôme d’Ambrosio made clear, the team’s immediate objective is not only understanding the source of the issue but also providing its drivers with the confidence required to perform at their highest level.
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