Leclerc: 'Left Nothing on the Table' in Vegas All-Out Charge

Charles Leclerc claimed he extracted every ounce of performance from his Ferrari at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, describing a "crazy race" where he took "massive risks" to climb from ninth to sixth, a result later upgraded to fourth after McLaren's disqualification. Despite the improved position, Leclerc's post-race comments highlighted frustration with Ferrari's aero setup and strategic missteps.

Why it matters:

Leclerc's candid assessment underscores the ongoing challenges Ferrari faces in consistently competing at the front. His aggressive drive showcased individual brilliance, but the underlying issues with car performance and race strategy reveal critical areas for improvement as the team aims to close the gap to rivals.

The details:

• Challenging Aero Setup: Ferrari's SF-25 was hampered by an aero configuration that made it vulnerable on the long Las Vegas straights, forcing Leclerc to take significant risks in overtaking.
• Frustrating Race Pace: Leclerc finished P6 initially, which he found "frustrating" given his P9 start, even after an "entertaining race" involving numerous overtakes.
• Pit Stop Issues: Leclerc expressed confusion and concern over lost positions during the pit stop phase, indicating a potential strategic miscue that he believes cost the team valuable track position.
• Strategy Misjudgment: Ferrari chose not to cover undercuts by Oscar Piastri and Kimi Antonelli, leading to direct on-track battles where Leclerc's straight-line deficit was exposed.
• DRS Dependency: The lack of straight-line speed forced Leclerc into a high-risk strategy, pushing "200 percent" to stay within DRS windows, which were critical for defending and attempting overtakes.
• Upgraded Result: While the disqualification of both McLarens elevated Leclerc to fourth place, it didn't change his conviction that he had driven beyond the car's limits and that more could have been achieved with better support.

Between the lines:

Leclerc's post-race comments, despite the improved result, point to a recurring theme for Ferrari: the car's inherent limitations and strategic decisions often force their drivers into overly aggressive, high-risk scenarios. His assertion that he "left nothing on the table" is both a testament to his driving and a subtle criticism of the machinery and tactical support.

What's next:

Ferrari will undoubtedly be scrutinizing the data from Las Vegas to understand the strategic and aerodynamic shortcomings. Leclerc's feedback will be crucial in developing the car and refining race weekend operations as the team looks to build a more consistent challenge in upcoming seasons. The team's ability to address these fundamental issues will determine whether they can provide their star driver with a package capable of converting his 'all-out charges' into regular podiums and wins.