Charles Leclerc hailed significant improvements with the Ferrari SF-25 in practice for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
There were question marks over whether Ferrari could challenge McLaren as the F1 pace-setter after pre-season testing, with balance issues creeping into the revised SF-25 concept.
It’s been well documented that Ferrari’s 2025 challenger features several changes from its predecessor, not least of which is changing front suspension from a pushrod to a pullrod set-up for the first time in 10 years.
The changes appeared to be bedding in well on Friday at the Albert Park circuit as Leclerc topped FP2, but the Monegasque driver admitted there’s more performance to come.
“Honestly, we did a good preparation work because the feeling with the car was good,” Leclerc said post-session.
“I mean, there’s obviously things that we need to improve as always and I’m not very happy with the balance yet, but we are in a much better place compared to Bahrain testing and there’s still some performance to find, but that’s the same for everybody in the paddock.
“The cars are pretty new for everyone and so you’ve got to push it to understand why exactly is the limit, but it’s been a solid first day, now we’ve got to wait and see how it goes tomorrow when we push a little more.”
Leclerc and Ferrari targeting pole in Melbourne
Asked whether Ferrari can challenge for pole position in Australia on Saturday, Leclerc replied “For now it’s too early to say.
“I don’t think we’ve seen the real pace of everybody yet and I think some teams might hide their game a bit more than others, but for sure McLaren is up there.
“I think Red Bull might be struggling a little bit more for now, but you never know with them, especially with Max [Verstappen], you can never really rule them out.
“So I’m sure there will be in the fight and the Mercedes looks strong as well.
“So it’s going to be a good fight, I’m sure.”
Still, despite admitting “I want to be cautious,” Leclerc has set his heart on clinching pole position.
“Let’s wait and see, but it’s right to say that after a day like this, we are looking forward to tomorrow and we want to try and target pole position,” he concluded.
READ MORE – Charles Leclerc shows Ferrari might in F1 Australian GP FP2 session
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