After a mixed start to the 2025 Formula 1 season \u2013 one that included a double disqualification in China and consistent struggles to match the pace of the front-runners \u2013 Ferrari find themselves sitting fourth in the Constructors' standings. But the arrival of new components on the SF-25 this weekend has injected some fresh hope into the Italian camp.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Leclerc, who has been the more consistent of the two Ferrari drivers so far, believes the parts being introduced in Sakhir will help reduce the three-tenths-per-lap deficit to McLaren seen at Suzuka. However, he remains realistic about the scale of progress. \u201cWe\u2019ve got some new bits on the car coming this weekend, which I hope will help us to close that gap a little bit,\u201d said Leclerc. \u201cWhether it will be enough to close the complete gap, I don\u2019t think so. But I hope it will help us to be closer \u2013 it\u2019s a significant step.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Leclerc was quick to manage expectations, indicating that Ferrari\u2019s immediate target remains a podium-contending position, rather than challenging Red Bull\u2019s Max Verstappen or McLaren outright.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAround third or fourth best team is where we are standing at the moment,\u201d he admitted. \u201cHopefully, the gap will be a bit smaller, but I don\u2019t think it\u2019s enough to be at McLaren and Max\u2019s level this weekend.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Teammate Lewis Hamilton echoed Leclerc\u2019s sentiments. The seven-time world champion is eager to see how the upgrades translate on track, especially after spending more time behind the wheel since the pre-season test in Bahrain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAround third or fourth best team is where we are standing at the moment,\u201d he admitted. \u201cHopefully, the gap will be a bit smaller, but I don\u2019t think it\u2019s enough to be at McLaren and Max\u2019s level this weekend.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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