Leclerc assesses where Ferrari stack up in Miami as he has 'one goal in mind’

Charles Leclerc believes Ferrari still don't have the potential to fight McLaren or Red Bull, but the Monegasque isn’t letting that alter his targets at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.

Ferrari have made a relatively slow start to the 2025 season with Leclerc’s run to third in Saudi Arabia the team’s only podium in a Grand Prix to date this year. The Scuderia have found themselves unable to take the fight to pacesetters McLaren, currently sitting fourth in the Constructors’ Standings behind Mercedes and Red Bull.

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Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Leclerc admitted that it hasn’t been the start to the season the team wished for but he feels steps have been taken in the right direction to bring the squad closer to the front of the grid.

“It’s not been the first part of the season we wished we had, but it’s the first part of the season we had – so now we need to focus on what’s ahead and try to improve just like we have in the last three races,” said Leclerc.

“I think we’ve done good steps in the right direction and now it’s all about building on that and hopefully having the first victory as soon as possible. I don’t feel we quite have the potential on paper to fight the McLaren, and the Red Bull on good days, yet but we’ve got to take the points that are available and then whenever we will have the car to fight for wins we’ve got to be there to win.

“Having said all that I still go into this weekend with one goal in mind, which is to win on Sunday and we will do our best.”

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Managing tyres is expected to be a key factor given the track surface and high temperatures expected in Miami. Last year tyre management proved to be one of the Ferrari’s strengths, although Leclerc feels McLaren will have the edge in all departments this weekend.

“Tyre management is a big thing here, especially with the heat and the tarmac – the way it’s done. I hope so [that the car is good on its tyre like last year],” Leclerc added.

“Last year McLaren was really strong, this year they are even much faster than last year so I think it’s going to be tough to beat them. But we’ll see.

“Whenever it was very warm this year – whether it’s Bahrain FP3, Jeddah FP3 – they seem to be on another planet. I don’t think what we have in the car is enough to beat them but let’s wait and see.”

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