Charles Leclerc said Ferrari has “to target winning the Constructors’ title” after he led a one-two finish for the Scuderia in the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix.
The two Ferraris lined up on the second row of the grid at the Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, buoyed by strong race pace shown in Saturday’s Sprint.
Carlos Sainz started in third, but Leclerc emerged from Turn 1 in first place at lights out and controlled the race from there.
Sainz duly followed Leclerc home at the end of 56 laps and with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finishing fourth and fifth respectively, Ferrari trails McLaren by just 48 points in the Constructors’ standings.
“I mean, we’ve got to target winning the Constructors’ title,” a jubilant Leclerc said post-race.
“It’s an optimistic goal, but that’s what we are here for.
“So, yeah, we’ll do the math at the end of the season. Until then, I think the best thing we can do is to focus on ourselves, on our own performance, just like we did this weekend.
“It’s been a really good weekend for the team and for the Constructors’ title. And we’ll try and reproduce that as often as possible.
“And hopefully at the end of the year, when we do the math, we will have won the Constructors’ title.”
Ferrari will be strong in Mexico and Vegas
Ferrari was unmatched in the United States GP, much like Leclerc was in the Italian GP at Monza, which set off a decent run of form for the Scuderia.
The Italian marque showcased strong pace in Baku and Singapore and Sainz looked ahead to the other venues that will benefit Ferrari’s hunt for the Constructors’ title.
“Yeah, if I would have to bet, I would say Mexico and Vegas are good tracks based on last year,” explained Sainz.
“I’m basing myself a bit on last year. This year everything seems a bit different.
“I think Qatar is going to be a bit our bogey track, if I would have to bet again my money and then Abu Dhabi I’m not sure.
“I’m not sure what we can achieve in Abu Dhabi, but let’s see. I just hope this pace shows itself again before the end of the season and gives me another chance of going at it.”
With five rounds remaining in the 2024 F1 campaign, McLaren has 544 points, Red Bull has 504 points and Ferrari has 496 points.
After a dominant display in Austin, Texas, winning the Constructors’ title doesn’t look like an overly optimistic goal for Ferrari.
READ MORE: Charles Leclerc heads Ferrari 1-2 at F1 US GP, Lando Norris loses podium
