Charles Leclerc earns his first podium, but 'still a lot of work to do'

Charles Leclerc has earned his first podium of the 2023 season at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a challenging first three races for him and Ferarri.

Work still to be done

It has been a much better race weekend for him and Ferarri, who have really struggled so far this season, but there are many positives to take from their race weekend performance, with Leclerc saying that "everyone is working flat out.", at the post-race interviews with Damon Hill.

"Especially in the race, they have worked hard to get more performance. The feeling is a little bit better, but when I see the gap. We don't know how much we have closed the gap. We still have a lot of work."

Red Bull power past polesitter

The Monegasque driver started the race at the Baku City Circuit on pole, and he was able to stay ahead at the start, defending smartly from Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen.

But Leclerc could not keep the rapid Red Bulls behind him, as they used the DRS to great effect and powered past him with ease, as he said, "They [Red Bull] are in another league."

"The really good lap managed to put us in front, but over 51 laps it was just not possible. They have so much more pace. I think they found something we didn't yet, and that is where our focus is."

It was a pretty lonesome race after that, with Leclerc coming under a little bit of pressure from Fernando Alonso and his Aston Martin, but he kept the Spaniard behind him with some good race pace in the final 15 to 20 laps.