Charles Leclerc, who finished the 2025 Australian Grand Prix in eighth, calls for fixes in two key areas

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has opened up about the challenges faced by the team following a tough start to the 2025 Formula 1 season. After finishing in eighth place at the Australian Grand Prix, the Monegasque driver pointed out "two things" that need immediate attention to improve future performance.

The Australian Grand Prix happened under tricky wet weather conditions, which saw McLaren emerging as the dominant force. Lando Norris claimed a commanding victory, reinforcing McLaren’s strong position early in the season. The team was on track for a 1-2 finish until Oscar Piastri’s mishap on the rain-soaked grass cost them valuable points. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell completed the podium, highlighting the competitive depth at the top of the grid.

In contrast, Ferrari struggled to match the pace of their rivals. Leclerc's eighth-place finish underscored the team’s challenges, especially in adapting to changing weather conditions. Reflecting on the race, Leclerc admitted that securing fifth place initially seemed possible, but the sudden downpour altered the course of the race.
“For a big part of the race we thought P5 was secured and then the rain arrived and everything changed,” Leclerc stated. He acknowledged that the team failed to capitalize on the opportunity to score more points despite the chaotic conditions.
Leclerc’s race was further complicated by a spin at Turn 11, which cost him several positions. While the Safety Car helped mitigate the damage, a delayed pit stop to switch to intermediate tires proved costly. Leclerc highlighted two key issues that need addressing:
“There are two things we have to look into. The first is easy, it was my mistake. The second is something we will sort out as a team, looking into our decisions and making sure we make the right call if the situation comes up again."

Leclerc wasn’t alone in his frustration. His Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton also voiced his concerns, describing the SF25 as "really, really hard to drive." The Maranello-based team now faces the challenge of addressing both driver errors and strategic missteps to remain competitive against McLaren and Red Bull in the upcoming races.
Also Read: Martin Brundle makes bold claim about Lando Norris after his impressive Australian GP victory, says "one of the all-time great F1 drives"
With a long season ahead, Ferrari will need to regroup quickly and make the necessary adjustments if they hope to challenge for podium finishes and championship points.