Charles Leclerc has concerningly revealed just how bad things currently are at Ferrari, with the Monegasque having admitted that the team need to improve “everything” to catch their rivals.
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was another bitterly disappointing weekend for Ferrari, with the Scuderia having been fourth in the pecking order at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Leclerc had shown some pace and was able to qualify second; however, following a 10-place grid penalty he was forced to start from 12th.
The 25-year-old had a grid penalty after Ferrari were forced to fit a third set of control electronics to his car, after his two legal sets both failed at the season-opening race in Bahrain.
READ: Saudi Arabia shows off stunning Formula 1 theme tune
To his credit, Leclerc fought his way into the top 10 very quickly, with the Ferrari having looked strong on the medium compound.
However, as soon as Leclerc found himself on the hard compound, the SF-23 was unable to even keep the Mercedes duo in its sights.
Miscommunication between Leclerc and his race engineer also didn’t help the Monegasque’s race, but the likelihood is that he would’ve finished seventh regardless.
After the race, Leclerc admitted that he struggled to follow his team-mate which prevented any further progress, especially with Mercedes having been “out of reach”.
“They [Mercedes] were out of reach,” Leclerc told Sky Sports F1.
“Once I got one-and-a-half seconds to Carlos, it was very difficult to get any closer than that.
“The pace difference wasn’t big enough. I did a small mistake when I was within DRS and then I lost it, then that was it and I just stayed there.
“There was not much more in the car today, we just need to work on some things.”
READ: Ex-F1 champion claims Alpine will ‘suffer a big loss’ from Fernando Alonso
2023 really hasn’t started well for Ferrari, with the Italians already finding themselves fourth in the constructors’ championship.
Their is clearly “a lot” that needs to be improved before they can start challenging for victories, with Leclerc having revealed where the team need to improve the SF-23 over the coming races.
“A lot,” admitted Leclerc. “Straight-line, they are quicker, corners they are quicker, so we need everything.”