Charles Leclerc Identifies Key Ferrari Issues After Australian GP

Monegasque Driver Calls for Ferrari to Address Performance and Strategic Failures

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Charles Leclerc has revealed the critical areas and issues where Ferrari needs improvement after the 2025 Australian Grand Prix. The Scuderia’s underwhelming performance has left the team scrambling for answers, with Leclerc pinpointing two specific issues that require immediate attention.

Leclerc admitted that while Ferrari was not the fastest car on the track, unpredictable weather conditions presented an opportunity for solid points. However, the team’s decision-making and a personal error on his part resulted in a frustrating eighth-place finish.

“For a big part of the race we thought P5 was secured and then the rain arrived and everything changed,” Leclerc explained. “It was a tough race and there are things we have to review and work on. We weren’t the fastest out there but in such weather conditions, there was a chance of scoring some big points which we didn’t capitalise on.”

Charles Leclerc during practice for the 2025 Australian GP | Scuderia Ferrari Press Office
Charles Leclerc during practice for the 2025 Australian GP | Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

Strategic Errors and Driver Mistakes

Leclerc elaborated on the two main issues that hindered Ferrari’s performance. Firstly, he acknowledged his own error at Turn 11, which saw him lose several positions. Although the arrival of a Safety Car later on minimised the damage, Ferrari’s strategic decision to delay switching to intermediate tires proved costly.

“There are two things we have to look into. The first is easy, it was my mistake. The second is something we will sort out as a team, looking into our decisions and making sure we make the right call if the situation comes up again,” Leclerc stated.

Ferrari’s struggles in wet conditions were compounded by their inability to make decisive calls when it mattered most. The team’s lack of clarity in communication and slow reaction to changing weather conditions are areas that urgently need attention if they are to challenge for podiums in future races.

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Lewis Hamilton during practice for the 2025 Australian GP | Scuderia Ferrari Press Office
Lewis Hamilton during practice for the 2025 Australian GP | Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

Hamilton’s Frustrations Add to Ferrari’s Woes

Leclerc was not the only Ferrari driver left frustrated after the chaotic Australian GP. His new teammate, Lewis Hamilton, described the SF25 as “really, really hard to drive” during an interview with Sky Sports F1.

“For me, I’m just grateful I kept it out of the wall because that’s where it wanted to go most of the time,” Hamilton admitted.

Hamilton’s criticism further highlighted the team’s struggle to find consistency and performance with the new power unit, especially in tricky weather conditions. The seven-time world champion’s complaints underline a need for Ferrari to address not just strategy but also their car’s handling and performance.

What Ferrari Needs To Do Next

The Maranello team has plenty of work ahead if they are to bounce back from their disappointing performance in Australia. Leclerc’s comments suggest that Ferrari must improve both their decision-making processes and car setup to stay competitive. Whether Ferrari can make the necessary adjustments remains to be seen, but the pressure is on to deliver better results in the upcoming races.

John Smith
John Smithhttp://total-motorsport.com
Editor at Total-Motorsport.com and all round Motorsport journalist specialising in Formula 1, IndyCar and Formula E.

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