Formula One Driver Charles Leclerc Discusses Early Struggles of 2025 Season

After a promising end to the 2024 season where Ferrari fought fiercely for the constructors’ championship, finishing just 14 points behind winners McLaren, Charles Leclerc has admitted that the start of the 2025 Formula One season has been “worse than expected.” In an interview with media in Bahrain, Leclerc expressed hope that the team can regain their position at the front.

Ferrari’s Struggles in the Early Races of 2025

The Formula One season returns to Bahrain this weekend following pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit in February. When asked about the team’s feelings after pre-season testing, Leclerc explained that while they had seen McLaren as a strong contender, it was still uncertain. However, with the reality of the season now clear, he hopes to turn the situation around.

Leclerc attributed the team’s early struggles to the high expectations set by their strong finish in 2024. He acknowledged that they had taken a step back at the beginning of this year, but remains optimistic about the new parts they have introduced, hoping they will help close the gap.

The Maranello outfit has faced a challenging start to 2025. Leclerc finished eighth in Australia, with Hamilton in tenth for his first race with Ferrari. Despite Hamilton’s sprint win in China, things took a turn when both cars were disqualified – Leclerc for not meeting the minimum weight and Hamilton for excessive plank wear. The pair finished fourth (Leclerc) and seventh (Hamilton) in the Japanese Grand Prix.