Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has provided an update on the performance of the team's recent upgrade package, confirming it is working as intended following the Miami Grand Prix. However, the Monegasque driver emphasized that the Scuderia must achieve perfection in its upcoming development stages to truly rejoin the fight at the front of the Formula 1 grid.
Speaking after the race in Miami, Leclerc acknowledged that while the package of updates for the SF-26 car is functional, rival teams have also made significant progress. He noted that competing upgrades from other constructors appear to have been slightly more effective, putting pressure on Ferrari to accelerate its own development cycle.
The Miami weekend saw Ferrari introduce a substantial package of 11 updates to the car. Despite this, the team's on-track results were disappointing. Leclerc could only manage an eighth-place finish, while his teammate Lewis Hamilton crossed the line in sixth position. Hamilton's race was compromised by damage sustained on the opening lap, which hindered his overall performance.
Leclerc stressed that in the current era of Formula 1, particularly in the first year under a new set of technical regulations, success is heavily dependent on a team's ability to develop its car throughout the season. He believes that every detail matters and that Ferrari must execute its development plan without any errors to make meaningful gains.
The driver expressed hope that new parts scheduled to arrive soon will help the team move forward and reclaim some of the competitive ground lost to its rivals. The focus for the Maranello-based squad is now on ensuring the next phase of upgrades is introduced seamlessly and delivers the expected performance boost.
Ferrari's next opportunity to demonstrate progress will come at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. The team will be looking to bounce back from a challenging weekend in Florida and show that its development trajectory is on the right path.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.