Leclerc Dismisses Criticism Ahead of Canadian GP
Charles Leclerc has firmly stated that neither he nor his Ferrari team need to “prove anybody wrong” amidst growing criticism from the Italian media following a lacklustre start to the 2025 Formula 1 season.
With only a single victory in the Shanghai sprint to their name, speculation around team principal Frederic Vasseur’s future has intensified, yet Leclerc remains focused on performing to the best of their abilities.
A Frustrating Race
Reports from prominent Italian outlets suggested that Vasseur’s job might be at risk due to the team’s disappointing results. Ferrari’s season has seen them struggle, with mounting pressure as other teams, including Mercedes, appear to gain momentum. Vasseur, however, defended his team’s performance ahead of the race, emphasising the importance of collective effort and resilience.
Despite Leclerc’s determination to block out external criticism, the Montreal Grand Prix proved challenging for Ferrari. Leclerc finished fifth, with Lewis Hamilton just behind in sixth. The Monegasque expressed his frustrations regarding his team’s strategic choices during the race. He noted a disagreement over the decision to employ a two-stop strategy, opting instead for a single pit stop from his eighth-place starting position.
Strategy Concerns
“I’m frustrated that I didn’t put everything together, but apart from that, [nothing] really affects me,” Leclerc commented, referencing his intense radio exchanges with the team. “The team knows where I stand and knows what I want to do. That’s what matters most to me.”
Ferrari boss Vasseur acknowledged Leclerc’s concerns post-race, stating, “I discussed it with Charles after the race. He’s right that we have not that much to lose when you are behind the pack. We can take some risks, but for us, it was a bit too optimistic to do one stint of 50 laps with the hards in terms of tyre life.”
Will the next race be any better?
Leclerc remains optimistic as he gears up for the next race, eager to rectify the issues faced in Canada. “We didn’t exactly do everything right this weekend, so I’m looking forward to the next race to try and turn that situation around,” he asserted. With the pressure on Ferrari to deliver results, the championship is shaping up to be a dramatic one, and all eyes will be on Leclerc and his team as they seek redemption in the upcoming races.
As the F1 season progresses, Leclerc’s resolve to focus on performance rather than external expectations will be crucial for both his personal ambitions and Ferrari’s championship hopes. With challenges ahead, the Monegasque driver remains committed to overcoming obstacles and steering his team back to the front of the grid.
