Charles Leclerc Scathes Ferrari After Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit was nothing short of thrilling, with Red Bull's Sergio Perez proving to be the dominant force on the track. However, while all eyes were on the impressive Mexican, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc struggled to find the performance in the car to properly be in the fight.
Leclerc's qualifying lap was a force to be reckoned with, rivalling Perez's time and proving that Ferrari had what it takes to compete with the best. Unfortunately, a grid penalty saw him forced to start from 12th position, a fact that would prove to be a thorn in his side throughout the race.
Despite promising showings in practice, Ferrari failed to make a dent on race day. Leclerc's team-mate Carlos Sainz managed to finish in a respectable sixth place, while Leclerc himself could only manage to make up five positions from his starting point.
When questioned about his team's lack of performance, Leclerc didn't mince his words. In an interview with Sky Sports F1, he delivered a scathing critique of the Ferrari SF-23's shortcomings.
"They [Mercedes] were out of reach.
"Once I got one-and-a-half seconds to Carlos, it was very difficult to get any closer than that. The pace difference wasn't big enough. I did a small mistake when I was within DRS and then I lost it, then that was it and I just stayed there."
Leclerc's frustration was palpable as he continued:
"There was not much more in the car today, we just need to work on some things."
And when asked specifically what Ferrari needs to improve upon, his response was nothing short of blunt.
"A lot. Straight-line, they are quicker, corners they are quicker, so we need everything."
It's clear that Leclerc and his Ferrari team have some serious work to do if they want to compete at the highest level.