Ferrari Struggles After Monaco GP Win: Charles Leclerc Highlights Pace Issues

Since their impressive victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, Ferrari has struggled to maintain their form, slipping down the pecking order. The Italian team initially attributed their decline to issues stemming from their 2024 Spanish GP floor upgrade. Although the upgrade functioned as intended, it introduced unforeseen side effects. To address these complications, Ferrari reverted to their Imola-spec SF-24 for the Silverstone race. Despite this adjustment, Charles Leclerc has emphasized that their overall lack of pace compared to their rivals remains a significant challenge.

In a recent statement, Leclerc shared his frustration, stating, “I think the picture was very similar to what we expected yesterday. And yeah, we are just lacking some pace at the moment… But apart from that, there wasn’t much more on the table.” Leclerc has been candid about the team’s performance issues since their Monaco win, openly acknowledging that Ferrari has “lost pace,” which he identifies as the core reason behind their current difficulties.

Leclerc’s performance in Hungary highlighted these issues, as he could only secure sixth place in qualifying. The Monegasque driver struggled with instability in the final corner of his qualifying lap and faced additional challenges due to the track’s changing conditions. Despite these setbacks, Leclerc was skeptical that Ferrari could have achieved a higher position than fourth or fifth even with a perfect lap, though he remains hopeful that the SF-24 might perform better under more favorable conditions during the race.

Leclerc has outlined the conditions under which Ferrari could improve their performance. He noted that cooler conditions during qualifying put Ferrari at a disadvantage, giving Mercedes a clear edge. However, Leclerc believes that warmer weather and effective tire management could provide Ferrari with a competitive advantage during the race. “With the warm weather, it might change and obviously the tire management will be a big thing. So, we’ve got to work on that and prepare for that,” he said.

Fortunately for Ferrari, the forecast predicts warm weather for the race, with an excess heat warning issued due to a recent heatwave in Hungary. If the weather remains consistent and does not introduce further complications, Ferrari’s drivers may be able to deliver a more promising result, potentially reversing their recent struggles since the Monaco GP.