Charles Leclerc confident Ferrari will put pressure on Max Verstappen and Red Bull at “some point” in 2024

Charles Leclerc was optimistic of Ferrari's chances to potentially challenge Max Verstappen at select tracks this season.

Charles Leclerc confident Ferrari will put pressure on Max Verstappen and Red Bull at “some point” in 2024

Charles Leclerc [L] Max Verstappen [R] (images via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen and Red Bull have dominated Formula 1 in recent years. This successful pairing remain the favorites for the 2024 season with Verstappen taking two dominant victories. Many had expected Scuderia Ferrari to make progress over the winter and potentially bridge the gap with Milton Keynes. Now, Charles Leclerc has affirmed that Maranello could pose a challenge to Red Bull this year.

Leclerc and Ferrari have shown promising pace over one-lap compared to Verstappen. However, the Prancing Horse seemingly has no answer to the reigning world champions in terms of race-pace. Charles Leclerc mentioned that the gap had reduced to Red Bull compared to 2023. However, Maranello was still at least three to four tenths behind per lap during the race.

We are speaking about maybe four-tenths [of a second] a lap in the race.
Charles Leclerc told RacingNews365
YouTube video

The Monegasque driver expressed his optimism for his team. The 26-year-old claimed that Ferrari was in a better position now with clear ideas for further development. Moreover, Leclerc stated that he was confident about the Scuderia challenging Max Verstappen at some point later this year. However, the Ferrari driver mentioned that it could be limited to only select tracks. Additionally, Charles Leclerc ruled out a chance for a race win for now.

FS Video
"I am more optimistic... The way we have very clear ideas on what we need to improve... That's what gives me the confidence that at some point during the season we will be putting them [Red Bull] more under pressure at some tracks. For now, we see the gap remains too big for us to realistically take a normal win.

Charles Leclerc praises Fred Vasseur’s clear mindset for Ferrari

Ferrari appointed ex-Alfa Romeo team boss Fred Vasseur as its Team Principal last season. The Frenchman came in with a different viewpoint than his predecessor Mattia Binotto. Vasseur made significant changes at Maranello over the past year which has resulted in a better atmosphere within the Italian team. Leclerc had previously appreciated the Frenchman’s long-term vision for Ferrari.

Charles Leclerc and Fred Vasseur
Charles Leclerc and Fred Vasseur (via IMAGO)

Charles Leclerc applauded the efforts of the 55-year-old, who had been his team boss during his debut F1 season at Sauber. Moreover, the Monegasque driver claimed that Fred Vasseur had clear ideas for the future of the Scuderia. This has allowed Maranello to focus on the main aspects in its pursuit to catch Max Verstappen and Red Bull.

What's really important for Fred, is to have very clear ideas and to help the team to choose what are the main areas in which we need to work on.

Certainly, Ferrari has made significant progress compared to its position in 2023. However, there is a lot left to be done at Maranello to become a title contender again. Charles Leclerc has put faith in Vasseur and the team for the future. As such, fans would be looking forward to seeing the Scuderia make further gains over the course of this year.

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