Charles Leclerc: « Barcelona may be the turning point »
In his quest for consistency and performance, Charles Leclerc is banking on the arrival of a new front wing to give Ferrari a boost from the Spanish Grand Prix. A gamble that coincides with an expected change in regulations concerning flexible wings.
Despite securing a podium finish in Jeddah, Charles Leclerc remains aware of the limitations of his current car. The Monegasque is now counting on a significant upgrade expected for the Spanish Grand Prix, with the introduction of a new wing, to reignite Ferrari’s ambitions and close the gap with the competition.
A well-deserved podium, but a glass ceiling
Third in Jeddah, Charles Leclerc clinched his first podium of the season. A well-managed race but frustrating for the Monegasque, aware of the limits of his car. “We are behind McLaren and Red Bull, that’s for sure, behind Mercedes, I think as well,” he admitted bluntly after the race. In a season where the gaps are narrowing behind Red Bull, Ferrari is still missing the final step to fight at the front. Yet, for Leclerc, the sensations are good. “I have never been so comfortable with the car,” he notes. The development direction taken in recent races finally seems to suit him. But the conclusion remains the same: “We are extracting the maximum from the car. We just need a better car.”
Barcelona as a pivot
This « improvement » could happen as soon as Barcelona, where Ferrari will introduce a new version of its front wing. This timing is no coincidence: the ninth round of the championship will coincide with a new FIA technical directive. The rigidity controls on the front wings will be strengthened in a context where some teams are suspected of pushing the aerodynamic limits. For Leclerc, this meeting is crucial: « I think a turning point for the season will be in Barcelona, with a new front wing. I hope it can play a bit in our favor. »
A flawless execution… while waiting for better
While awaiting technical developments, Ferrari is relying on its discipline. In Jeddah, everything worked: strategy, pace management, pit stop. “Honestly, I think we did the perfect race. […] Pit stop, once again, perfect,” emphasized Leclerc. The Italian team also stands out for its consistency in this aspect: “We have been dominating the pit stop battle since the beginning of the season.” But this operational excellence is not enough to make up for the performance shortfall. Barcelona is therefore shaping up to be a deciding factor. And perhaps, finally, the moment when Ferrari will cease to be “the best of the rest.”
