Leclerc looks forward to Melbourne: 'I don't expect miracles'

A year ago, Charles Leclerc left Melbourne thinking he could have a serious shot at the world title. Ferrari' s Monegasque had just won the Australian Grand Prix, his second win in three races. In the end, Leclerc remained far from the championship, just as this season's title looks set to be a tough story.

At the press conference ahead of the 2023 edition of the Grand Prix Down Under, Leclerc confirmed having fond memories of Melbourne. To immediately add: "We are not arriving in the same situation as last year. Obviously our performance is not as good as last year, but we are working hard to return to the front of the grid."

Getting started during the break

Leclerc continued, "Everyone was very happy [then], but as I said, we are hugely motivated to get back to the front of the grid. We know what we have to work on. I don't expect miracles this weekend. After this, we have a three-week break and we will do our best to make upgrades on the car as soon as possible. In the end, we have a car that has evolved from last year, but not as good as Red Bull's. Especially at race speed."

In Melbourne, qualifying is always very important. That's where Ferrari takes its advantage. "Qualifying has been good since the start of the season. We have to focus on the race, in which our car is quite fussy. If all the preconditions are right, then we perform. If something changes with a heavier car, then we run into the limitations of the car more often. I believe we are close in qualifying. I hope and think the story in the race is going to be pretty much the same."