Ferrari will have new upgrades for the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, but they are not likely to be good enough to compete with Red Bull, Charles Leclerc believes.
The Prancing Horse enjoyed their best race of the year in Azerbaijan as the Monagasque claimed their first podium but the Red Bull duo of Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen were still considerably clear of the scarlet red Ferrari.
In an attempt to close the gap to the runaway leaders, the Scuderia have brought some new upgrades to the fifth round of the season in Florida and Leclerc thinks it should see them turn in the right direction.
“It should go in the right direction,” Leclerc said of the upgrades ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.
“I don’t think it will be enough to fight with them but it will go in the right direction I’m sure.”
Red Bull too strong
Leclerc surprised many over one lap by beating both Red Bull drivers in qualifying and the sprint shootout on the streets of Baku but had no answer for them once the race begun.
Despite the demoralising distance between himself and the Red Bulls, Leclerc was pleased with his weekend on the coast of the Caspian Sea after a torturous three rounds to kick off 2023 in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Australia.
“It was good after the first three races,” Leclerc added. “Azerbaijan went really well, we had our first pole which is great and I think it confirms how strong a car we have.
“In the race, it confirmed a little bit our weaknesses that we still need to work on because the Red Bull is just too strong.”
Ferrari also gave Red Bull a run for their money in qualifying at Bahrain but things quickly fell apart on Sunday for the Scuderia.