Leclerc downplays Ferrari's improvements as the ADUO decision approaches.

      "The others are bringing substantial packages."

      Charles Leclerc has tempered expectations that Ferrari’s significant upgrade in Miami will instantly bridge the gap to Mercedes.

      "It’s unusual to see so many teams introducing updates. Almost everyone here will have a new car. The five-week break has pushed the departments to their limits," he remarked.

      "One thing I’m skeptical about - I don’t think the technical advancements will dramatically alter the standings from the beginning of the year."

      This comes even as championship leader Kimi Antonelli acknowledged that Mercedes has brought "virtually nothing new" to Miami.

      "Just minor enhancements, while others are coming with major packages," the Italian noted.

      However, while optimistic about Ferrari’s advancements, notably the potential implementation of the eagerly awaited ’Macarena’ rear wing, Leclerc was candid about the current hierarchy.

      "Mercedes remains too far ahead. I don’t believe these updates will be sufficient to catch up," he stated.

      "It will definitely be crucial for us to measure ourselves against McLaren, as they are very close. I hope the updates will assist us in keeping pace."

      He also emphasized that a more significant improvement might still arrive on the engine front, contingent on the FIA's regulatory decisions regarding the ADUO scheme.

      "Then we’ll assess the engine, which I’m not certain will be confirmed yet - I hope it will be - and if it is, we’ll see what kind of advancements that can enable us to achieve."

      "That second advancement is different, as if the circumstances unfold as we anticipate, our competitors may not have the opportunity to make that leap. So that's a gap we could potentially bridge."

      "In terms of chassis and aerodynamics, I expect everyone to be presenting what is essentially a new car here, and everyone is pushing very hard—so we’ll find out if that will be adequate for us to close the disparity."

      Regarding the rule adjustments for Miami, Leclerc maintained a balanced perspective.

      "I was pleased with the simulator," he said. "Now I can drive much more instinctively."

      "But other issues are still unresolved—energy management when exiting corners, for instance. Let’s wait and see during these two qualifying sessions."

      He also explained how the changes enhance drivability, though not entirely.

      "As a driver, I felt that our requests and feedback were taken into account," Leclerc shared.

      "There were software filters and unusual behaviors where going flat out and then lifting off would lead to unexpected outcomes."

      "Now that has been addressed, and we can return to instinctive driving, although clearly there will be ongoing work throughout the season."