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Leclerc goes for third place in Spain: 'Red Bull in another league'

1 June 2023 at 14:51
  • Corwin Kunst

Charles Leclerc had to settle for P6 in the Monaco Grand Prix, but in Barcelona next weekend he hopes to be back on the podium. A win is not realistic, according to the Ferrari driver, but a place among the first three should be achievable.

"I think just try and maximise absolutely everything as always." Leclerc told GPblog and others in Barcelona. "It's always the goal as a driver, try and improve the car as much as possible. Hopefully have a car that is a bit more easy to drive in order for me to maximise the car more often. Because at the moment, as I was saying, it's very picky, so very difficult to be on the limit all the time. But then once we will manage that, I'm sure the results will come."

Ferrari target in Spain

However, the Ferrari driver is confident that results will come, once the SF23 becomes a little less unpredictable. It is one of the things the Italian racetrack will be working on this weekend. What is realistic this weekend? "Podium, yes. Victory at the moment. Red Bull are in another league in the race.  So if nothing happens to them, then I don't think it's realistic, for now at least."

Leclerc does feel supported by updates his team has brought to Spain. Ferrari is introducing a new rear suspension that should save time. Sainz said in the press conference about the update: "This upgrade is not going to change our life from one race to another. It's the first step of many steps to come still."