Leclerc doesn't expect Ferrari to close the gap to McLaren and Verstappen in Bahrain

About the Charles Leclerc before the Bahrain Grand Prix agree with those of his team principal, Frédéric Vasseur: The developments made to the SF-25 are not revolutions, Ferrari will not make up for lost time this weekend in Sakhir.

Currently fourth in the Constructors' standings, the Scuderia is struggling at the start of the season due to an SF-25 suffering from ailments that are preventing it from exploiting its full potential. Thus, the McLaren papayas and the Red Bull de Max Verstappen box in a higher category while the Mercedes silver are closer to the rhythm of the Reds. Charles Leclerc readily acknowledges this: " We are currently the third or fourth best team."

To counter this delicate start to the season, the Maranello engineers set to work, in the days following the winter tests in Bahrain, to resolve the inconveniences of the carThe first developments will be seen this weekend at the Sakhir circuit for the fourth round of the season. Will this put the Prancing Horse back in the lead? Charles Leclerc hopes to close the gap but defuse overly high expectations.

« We have some new elements on the car arriving this weekend, which I hope will help us get closer to the competition, rejoices the Monegasque before moderating. I don't think it's going to be enough to completely close the gap, I think we're going to be more or less where we were before."

Hamilton more confident in Bahrain

A speech consistent with that of Frédéric Vasseur who, earlier in the week, explained that the gap could not be closed in a salvo of developments., that it was a task that required patience and progression. The message is clear: Ferrari does not expect to shake up the hierarchy this weekend. However, the number 16 is confident about his team's methodical approach.

« I'm confident we can make up ground, even if what we bring here won't be enough. I hope the gap will be reduced, but it won't be enough to be at the level of McLaren and Max Verstappen this weekend. said Charles Leclerc. MBut I hope that in the short term we will have other little things that will help us get closer."

The Monegasque will however not be able to benefit from the developments of his single-seater from EL1 since he will be replaced by the Swede Dino Beganovic. On the other side of the garage, Lewis Hamilton wants to be optimistic about developments. We've benefited from an upgrade and a better understanding of the setup, so that should bode well for a better weekend., confided the Briton, still discovering his mount. I've done a lot of driving here with the pre-season tests, I should be much more comfortable in the car than I was during the tests here."

Regarding fans' inflated expectations for an immediate rebound from the seven-time world champion in Bahrain, Lewis Hamilton was scathing: " Don't expect anything, it's as simple as that."

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