Source: Official Team Post via X
Charles Leclerc Reflects on Hard-Fought P2 Finish in Singapore
Charles Leclerc clinched second place at the Singapore Grand Prix, giving his all but acknowledging Ferrari's pace shortfall against rivals. Despite early pressure on Max Verstappen, tire degradation and strategy played key roles in his final position.
Charles Leclerc looked back on his performance at the Singapore Grand Prix with a sense of accomplishment and no regrets. The Ferrari driver secured a podium finish, albeit acknowledging that the team still trails behind their competitors in terms of pace.
Leclerc had a chance to challenge Max Verstappen for the lead at the start but opted for caution when squeezed towards the inside, deciding against a risky overtake. This decision kept him trailing the Dutchman through the initial stint of the race.
As the laps went by, the pressure Leclerc applied to Verstappen waned, with tire wear becoming a factor. He made his first pit stop at the end of Lap 24, managing to stay just ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton, who was visibly frustrated at being unable to overtake.
Later, a Virtual Safety Car presented Leclerc with another opportunity to pit for fresh rubber. Ferrari's strategy paid off as he reclaimed second place from Hamilton, maintaining this position until the race concluded, finishing seven seconds behind Verstappen.
"We started strong, but the tires began to degrade during the first stint," Leclerc explained. "Our strategy differed from Max's during the Virtual Safety Car. I remained hopeful throughout, but pushing hard early in the final stint led to more tire degradation than others experienced. I gave it my all and have no regrets. Perhaps being more aggressive at the start could have changed things, but that's racing."
Despite Ferrari's lack of speed compared to their rivals, Leclerc was content with their tactical approach, stating, "At least we tried something different." This race marked his first podium since the Belgian Grand Prix, concluding a positive weekend after also finishing in the top three in the Sprint.
When queried about his previous remarks on Ferrari's diminishing pace, Leclerc stood by his assessment but noted that recent updates to the car might have contributed to some improvement. "It's still insufficient," he admitted. "We need to keep pushing and introduce more upgrades to reach the level we desire. Overall, our pace was decent today."
Leclerc's drive in Singapore showcased his determination and skill, setting a foundation for Ferrari as they continue to pursue competitive form in the remaining races of the season.