Leclerc: “We are a little bit behind Red Bull and Mercedes”

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc spoke on the sidelines of Free Practice 1 of the Bahrain Grand Prix about the hierarchy between teams at the start of the season. The Scuderia has been designated by observers as one of the teams to watch in the global fight. However, Leclerc himself does not want to give his team the label of favorite.

I think Red Bull is the favorite, considering what they have shown. But I also think Mercedes hasn’t shown their full potential, it’s impossible to know where they will be, but I think they will be in the top 3. It will definitely be close, even though it will take us some time to catch up with the delay we had. I believe we are still a bit behind Red Bull. » predicts the Monegasque, who is nevertheless satisfied with Ferrari’s progress.

« The winter tests give me confidence, but I can’t draw any conclusions from them. On Saturday in qualifications, we might end up further behind than expected. I prefer to think that we’re still behind Red Bull and Mercedes so that we stay focused and don’t get distracted.

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Scuderia Ferrari seems to be in great shape at the beginning of the season and has successfully understood the regulatory changes. During the winter tests in Bahrain, both Leclerc and Sainz’s F1-75 cars consistently remained at the top of the timing charts. However, the truth of the tests may not necessarily be reflected in the first qualifying sessions.

” >(Saturday, March 19th, 3:30 PM, Canal+), we will have to closely monitor the lap times of both drivers.”