Leclerc warns Ferrari’s raw pace is lagging ahead of major upgrade
Charles Leclerc says Ferrari’s biggest hurdle this season is raw performance, underscoring the urgency of a major aerodynamic upgrade before the summer break.
Ferrari’s lead driver Charles Leclerc has openly flagged the team’s biggest short‑coming this year – a lack of raw performance – as the Scuderia prepares for a major aerodynamic upgrade later in the season. Speaking to the media after the Japanese Grand Prix, Leclerc said the car simply does not have the outright speed needed to challenge Red Bull and Mercedes on a consistent basis.
What Leclerc said
According to both Yahoo Sports and Motorsport.com, Leclerc explained that while the team has made progress in areas such as tyre management and race‑craft, the fundamental speed deficit remains “the raw performance of the car”. He added that the upcoming upgrade package, slated for introduction at the next scheduled break, is intended to close that gap.
Why the upgrade matters
Ferrari’s 2024 car has struggled on circuits that demand high down‑force and straight‑line power, resulting in a mixed season of podiums and mid‑field finishes. The planned upgrade is expected to feature a revised front wing, revised barge‑board layout and a new rear‑floor concept – elements that could boost aerodynamic efficiency and overall lap times. Team principal Fred Vasseur has hinted that the package will be the most significant of the year, aiming to bring Ferrari back into the fight for race wins before the summer sprint events.
Championship implications
Leclerc sits second in the drivers’ standings, trailing Max Verstappen by a narrow margin. A performance boost could see him close the gap, especially with the next few races – Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy – offering high‑speed tracks that suit Ferrari’s traditional strengths. However, the team must also manage reliability, as recent power‑unit failures have added to their woes.
For Indian fans
Indian viewers can catch the upcoming races on FanCode, with live streams starting at 02:30 IST for the Belgian Grand Prix, 02:30 IST for the Dutch Grand Prix, and 03:30 IST for the Italian Grand Prix. Leclerc’s candid comments have sparked a lively discussion on Indian F1 forums, with many hoping the upgrade will restore Ferrari’s historic rivalry with Red Bull, a narrative that resonates strongly with the country’s large fan base.
Source: Yahoo Sports