Charles Leclerc claims McLaren still has the ‘fastest car’ despite beating Lando Norris’ and Oscar Piastri in Monza

Charles Leclerc has regained his form since the Belgian Grand Prix this season.

Charles Leclerc claims McLaren still has the ‘fastest car’ despite beating Lando Norris’ and Oscar Piastri in Monza

Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, and Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has deemed McLaren as the fastest team in Formula 1. Leclerc outpaced the likes of Red Bull and McLaren to claim a glorious win at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc was successful in overtaking Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at Monza despite starting P4 on the grid. Leclerc sensationally pulled off a one-stop strategy to win the race by a narrow margin of 2.6 seconds to Oscar Piastri.

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Despite winning in Monza, Leclerc claims that Ferrari is not yet at the level of the Woking-based team on track. The Monegasque claimed that both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri could be very difficult to beat in the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

FS Video
I don't think we're at the level of McLaren and Red Bull yet. It is possible to beat these teams on a good day. That's what they did in Monza, but we still have to make a few steps forward to consistently challenge them. They still have the faster car, especially McLaren.
Charles Leclerc via motorsport-total

Leclerc has been a strong performer around the streets of Baku over the years. He will therefore look to tap into some of his past form in order to continue his encouraging spell for Ferrari this weekend as well.

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Charles Leclerc talks of his approach ahead of Azerbaijan GP

The Azerbaijan GP is a unique street circuit featuring long high-speed straights and tight medium-speed corners. Charles Leclerc, who has started on pole consecutively for the last three years, has shared his thoughts ahead of the weekend.

Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)
We’ve been strong on the Saturdays here but on the Sundays have struggled with tire management here. That’s been one of our strengths this year. I don’t expect to be on the pace of the McLaren here but closer.
Charles Leclerc via PitDebrief

Leclerc has talked of his inability to capitalize despite starting from P1 on multiple occasions in Baku. He then said that his team has gained greater confidence with respect to their tire management, which will be an advantage to them this year.

Ferrari has regained its lost form during the past few races of the season. They currently stand third in the constructors’ championship but will be fancying their chances to win the Azerbaijan GP this time round.

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