Leclerc states he has "no idea" when Ferrari will make progress.

      Charles Leclerc expressed that he has "no idea" when Ferrari will be able to challenge McLaren for consistent grand prix victories. The renowned Italian team is entering 2025 with significant excitement surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s arrival and clear championship aspirations. "How do I feel as a fan?" questioned former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo during the Bahrain weekend. "Sad. I’m also angry because I had hoped this year would feature a genuinely competitive car from the beginning."

      Montezemolo has consistently stated that Ferrari’s issues stem from the very top. "This team sometimes lacks leadership, and I miss the passion that Ferrari was once known for. I see a team that lacks soul." Hamilton, 40, was particularly disheartened after qualifying in Bahrain, where his performance highlighted the continuation of his recent struggles at Mercedes regarding qualifying pace, which persisted in his new red car. He felt better after the race, finishing P5 behind Leclerc.

      "I returned to the hotel, sorted things out, and reflected," Hamilton shared. "It’s a very different car, but my qualifying this year is even worse than last year. I’ll keep pushing. I will find my way there. I’ve gained a better understanding of how this car needs to be driven now. I’ve had a certain driving style for a long time, and now I’m in a car that requires an entirely different approach." He also mentioned switching to Brembo brakes from Carbone Industrie, noting it’s a completely different method. "But I was quite far behind Charles in terms of setup, and I’m gradually getting closer to him."

      Montezemolo believes that Ferrari represents Hamilton’s "last chance" to secure an eighth title. "He joined Ferrari to win in red and conclude his career with a championship title, but it’s clear that adjusting to a new way of working is challenging. His greatest issue at the moment is that he lacks a car that can make him a world champion."

      Leclerc feels more at ease in the 2025 Ferrari, stating that the main issue is that it "simply requires more downforce overall." "I believe we’re maximizing the car's balance right now—there’s no more to gain," he stated. "I need greater grip to take corners faster. During qualifying, we can hide some disadvantages, but it's not possible in the race. Without enough grip, there’s more sliding, and the tires degrade faster—it’s a snowball effect."

      Ferrari accelerated the introduction of a new floor in Bahrain, but when asked when the next steps would be visible on the timing sheets, Leclerc replied: "I don’t know. It’s taking longer than I would like. I’m confident we will return to the front, but when that will be? I have no idea."

      For Hamilton, team principal Frederic Vasseur acknowledged his struggles and the evident frustration seen in Bahrain. "You can’t replace twelve years of collaboration in two weeks or two races," the Frenchman stated. "It’s essential that Lewis also brings the right mindset, which he does. He says, ‘I need to improve and adapt to the car.’ We will adjust the car to better suit Lewis, but he also needs to take a step," Vasseur added.