Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari garage during the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix

Ferrari on the backfoot says dejected Leclerc: 'We're lacking everywhere'

16:00, 07 Apr

byNorberto Mujica

Charles Leclerc believes Ferrari are on the backfoot and sees the Scuderia lacking performance in all areas, compared to championship leaders, McLaren.

P4 was all that the Ferrari driver could muster from the SF-25 at the flag in Suzuka. "It was a bit of an annoying race. I was completely on my own. The guys in front were too quick in the first stint. I thought maybe there was something to do but then they started to push more and they were just faster."

"It's dissapointing because when you put everything together like we've done this weekend I think the balance was in the right place there's just not enough performance in the car, so now we've just got to maximise the points which is what we have done and I hope that later on in the season we can fight for better [things]."

'Ferrari are lacking everywhere' compared to McLaren says Leclerc

According to the Monegasque, much like his teammate Lewis Hamilton feels, things are not looking good for the Scuderia at the moment, in terms of them meeting the target of taking both world championships this season. "A bit everywhere," says Leclerc assessing where Ferrari are falling short of rivals, McLaren. However, he is able to draw the positives from the race weekend in Japan for himself and the team.

"I think I learned plenty about the car this weekend, so that is the positive of the weekend really. As much as we are disappointed with the fourth place, we should be happy of us maximising the result and we should be happy about all the lessons learned this weekend."