Leclerc Admits Ferrari's Rain Struggles Persist in Vegas

Charles Leclerc expressed deep frustration after Ferrari's persistent wet-weather struggles resurfaced in Las Vegas qualifying, leaving him ninth on the grid. Despite continuous efforts to address the issue, the team's car remains uncompetitive in the rain, a problem that has plagued Leclerc since his arrival at Maranello and shows no sign of abating.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's inability to perform in wet conditions has been a chronic Achilles' heel, undermining their championship aspirations. This recurring weakness not only costs crucial points but also highlights a fundamental engineering challenge that the team has yet to solve, hindering their potential to consistently challenge the frontrunners, especially as they fight for a higher Constructors' Championship position.

The Details:

• Chronic Wet-Weather Weakness: Leclerc explicitly stated that Ferrari's car has "struggled massively in the wet" ever since he joined the team, and despite extensive efforts, they have yet to find a solution.
• Tyre Warm-up Issues: A primary symptom of their wet-weather problem is the inability to get the tyres to switch on, resulting in "very, very poor grip." Leclerc, however, believes it's not solely a tyre warm-up issue, as previous attempts to address it haven't yielded results.
• Difficult Driving Conditions: The Las Vegas qualifying session, held at night in cold, wet conditions on a street circuit, compounded the problem, making the SF-25 "very, very difficult to drive."
• Team-mate's Performance: Lewis Hamilton, Leclerc's team-mate, fared even worse, finishing last, further underscoring Ferrari's collective struggle in the rain.

The Big Picture:

Leclerc's exasperation highlights a deeper issue within Ferrari's technical design and development. While he has been a strong performer in wet conditions in junior categories, the SF-25's characteristics consistently prevent him from showcasing that strength. This recurring problem speaks to a fundamental flaw that has persisted across multiple car iterations, raising questions about the team's ability to adapt to diverse race conditions. As Ferrari battles for a better position in the Constructors' Championship, these lost opportunities in challenging conditions are particularly damaging.

What's next:

With only two race weekends remaining after Las Vegas, Leclerc is already looking beyond the current season. He admitted he won't "miss" the SF-25, clearly pinning his hopes on the upcoming 2026 regulation changes to finally provide a car capable of consistently fighting for wins. Until then, Ferrari faces the daunting task of managing their wet-weather vulnerabilities while trying to maximize their performance in dry conditions to secure their championship standing.