Leclerc: Ferrari F1 Car is 'In the Wall or Through Q1'
Charles Leclerc reveals the Ferrari SF-25 is incredibly challenging to drive, requiring drivers to risk crashing to achieve a good result, as evidenced by his own P5 in Abu Dhabi and teammate Lewis Hamilton's Q1 exit. The team's struggles highlight deep-seated issues hindering their championship aspirations, forcing them to find satisfaction in maximizing an unpredictable car package.
Charles Leclerc has candidly described the Ferrari SF-25 as an 'extremely tricky' car to drive, requiring 'full commitment' with the ever-present risk of crashing, a sentiment reinforced after his fifth-place qualifying in Abu Dhabi. His teammate Lewis Hamilton's struggles, including a Q1 exit and an FP3 crash, highlight the team's ongoing challenges in a season that will see them finish fourth in the championship.
Why it matters:
Ferrari, a team with championship aspirations at the start of the 2025 season, has endured a dismal campaign, failing to secure a single Grand Prix victory. Leclerc's comments underscore the deep-seated issues with the SF-25, which not only impacts driver performance and confidence but also hinders the team's ability to develop the car effectively. Overcoming these fundamental handling difficulties is crucial for Ferrari to regain competitiveness and challenge F1's frontrunners.
The Details:
- Leclerc's Assessment: Leclerc stated that driving the SF-25 demands 'full commitment,' likening it to a choice between 'in the wall or through Q1,' due to its unpredictable nature.
- Hamilton's Struggles: Lewis Hamilton's performance in Abu Dhabi, including a crash in FP3 and a Q1 exit, further illustrates the car's difficulty. This marks his fourth consecutive Q1 exit across races and sprints.
- Development Challenges: Leclerc noted that the car's demanding nature makes it harder for drivers to understand and provide feedback for improvements, unlike competitors such as McLaren or Red Bull, who can gain insights with less aggressive driving in early qualifying sessions.
- Season Performance: Despite finishing runner-up last year, Ferrari has not won a Grand Prix in 2025 and will conclude the season in fourth place in the Constructors' Championship.
- Leclerc's Personal Highs and Lows: While Leclerc has celebrated significant victories with Ferrari since 2019, including at Monaco and Monza, the 2025 season has offered few positive moments, leading him to find satisfaction in maximizing the car's package for a fifth-place finish, despite acknowledging it as 'disappointing.'
The Big Picture:
Ferrari's current predicament extends beyond individual race performances; it points to a broader challenge in car design and development. The team's inability to provide a stable and predictable platform for its drivers has hampered its title ambitions. The stark contrast between their pre-season hopes and their current fourth-place standing highlights the urgent need for a fundamental rethink in their approach to the 2026 regulations, which will feature a completely new engine and chassis.
What's next:
With the 2025 season concluding, Ferrari's immediate focus will shift to understanding the SF-25's core issues and channeling those lessons into the development of their 2026 contender. Addressing the car's inherent instability will be paramount. The team faces significant pressure to deliver a more manageable and competitive package in the coming seasons, especially with the radical technical changes on the horizon. Resolving these challenges is crucial for Ferrari to reclaim its position at the sharp end of the grid.