Charles Leclerc admits Ferrari still lacking race pace

Ferrari struggles in wet conditions as Leclerc finishes eighth while McLaren dominates Melbourne race

Ferrari's challenging start to the 2025 Formula 1 season continued at the Australian Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc crossed the finish line in eighth position after a rain-affected race that exposed weaknesses in the Maranello team's performance and decision-making.

The wet weather conditions in Melbourne created chaos throughout the field but provided perfect opportunities for McLaren.

Lando Norris secured a commanding victory while the Woking team narrowly missed a 1-2 finish when Oscar Piastri temporarily became stuck in rain-soaked grass.

Critical Self-Assessment

Leclerc offered a candid assessment of Ferrari's performance, highlighting specific areas for improvement following the disappointing result.

"For a big part of the race we thought P5 was secured and then the rain arrived and everything changed," Leclerc told media after the race.

The Monegasque driver pointed to two critical issues that cost Ferrari valuable championship points in Australia.

"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 explained.

Strategy Missteps

Ferrari's race strategy came under scrutiny as the team failed to capitalize on changing weather conditions.

Leclerc's spin at Turn 11 cost him several positions, though the subsequent Safety Car period limited the damage.

"I lost a few positions after the spin at Turn 11. In the end, it wasn't that bad, with the Safety Car that came out later on, but then we stopped a lap too late to switch to inters, losing positions again," said Leclerc.

The timing of the switch to intermediate tires proved particularly costly, highlighting potential communication issues within the Ferrari garage during critical moments.

Hamilton's Struggles

Leclerc wasn't alone in his frustrations. His new teammate Lewis Hamilton also voiced concerns about the SF25's handling characteristics in wet conditions.

"It was very tricky and went a lot worse than I thought it would go. The car was really, really hard to drive today,"

Hamilton told Sky Sports F1.

The seven-time world champion further elaborated on his challenges with Ferrari's power unit in wet conditions.

"Just getting acclimatised with the new power unit in the wet conditions. The settings it requires are different, and a different way of driving and a different set-up on the steering wheel," Hamilton explained.

Communication Breakdown

Hamilton briefly led the race but suggested that inadequate weather information contributed to Ferrari's strategic missteps.

"I hung out as long as I could, got in the lead at one point,"

Hamilton said.

"Just the guidance with how much more rain was coming, was missing there, so I think we missed out."