Charles Leclerc, the Monegasque driver for Ferrari, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's current position in the Teams' Championship, stating that P2 is 'not good enough' despite acknowledging significant improvements throughout the season. Leclerc's comments come as Ferrari engages in a fierce battle for the runner-up spot with Mercedes, with the Italian team currently holding the position by a narrow margin of one point. Red Bull, in fourth place, is rapidly closing the gap, posing a significant challenge to Ferrari's second-place finish.
Leclerc's frustration is understandable, given that a P2 finish would mark the second consecutive season for Ferrari in this position, with their last Teams' Championship win dating back to 2008. When asked about the team's prospects for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Leclerc emphasized the importance of winning, stating, 'It’s not good enough, no. I think when you drive for such a team, the only thing that is good enough is to win.'
Despite the challenges, Leclerc acknowledges the strength of their competitors and the rich history of the sport. He also highlights the team's progress, noting that they have made significant improvements throughout the season. Looking ahead, Leclerc aims to secure second place in the Constructors' Championship and set his sights higher for next year.
When asked about his preferences, Leclerc expressed a desire for both a race victory and second place in the Teams' Championship, stating, 'I don’t know, I’ll take both.' He recognizes the importance of winning, especially in a challenging season, and the potential impact it could have on the team's overall standing.
For now, Leclerc's focus is on the upcoming race in Sao Paulo. He remains grounded, acknowledging that their pace is not on par with McLaren or Red Bull, and that Mercedes' performance can vary. Leclerc's approach is to concentrate on their strengths and see where it takes them.
While Leclerc has yet to score a podium at Interlagos, he enjoys driving at the Brazilian track. He attributes this to the track's unique characteristics and is optimistic about the team's chances of achieving a podium finish for the first time.
On the other side of the garage, Lewis Hamilton exudes positivity ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. After two successful outings in Austin and Mexico, Hamilton is confident and excited about the upcoming race. He attributes his team's progress to positive developments and looks forward to the weekend with enthusiasm.
