Frustrated Leclerc questions Ferrari’s speed after ‘slow’ F1 Las Vegas GP

15:35, 25 Nov

byOlly Darcy

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc admits the Scuderia have several questions surrounding their pace and strategy calls after a "slow" Las Vegas Grand Prix.

"It's still very frustrating to only finish P6."

- Charles Leclerc

The 28-year-old crossed the line in sixth place, but due to the double disqualification of McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, he was promoted to P4.

But despite moving up the grid after starting P9, the Monegasque cut a downcast figure in the paddock.

"Well, I mean, it's P6, so it's still very frustrating to only finish P6 when you start P9," Leclerc explained after his race at the Las Vegas Street Circuit.

Charles Leclerc now sits in P5 in the drivers' championship with 226 points - Photo: Race Pictures

"On the other hand, if I look at my race, it's been a bit of a crazy race. I had to take massive risks to overtake because we were very, very slow on the straight. So on that side, it was an entertaining race.

"But then I don't really understand what happened around the pit stop, but it seems that we've lost quite a few places, so we'll look back at that whether we could have done something better."

Thanks to the double disqualification for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, it also saw teammate Lewis Hamilton move from P10 to P8.

Ferrari also reviewing strategy calls

However, despite the extra points from the disqualifications, Mercedes also profited hugely as George Russell and Kimi Antonelli were promoted to P2 and P3, respectively, putting Mercedes 53 points clear of the Scuderia in the constructors' championship as they gasp tightly onto the P2 spot.

As well as a hopeful improvement on their pace at the upcoming weekend in Qatar, Leclerc also confirmed that Ferrari will review its strategy calls.

It comes after the 28-year-old emerged from the pit lane behind Piastri after his pit stop, unable to pass the Australian or Antonelli, who nursed old tyres to the end of the race.

"Yeah, it's more with Oscar as well, because I think Oscar was behind me after the first stint. I can't remember," Leclerc responded when asked if he pitted too late.

"There were many cars around, but I thought that, and then obviously this is something we've got to look back on. But I'm not so sure of what I'm saying.

"I think that in the car, I was surprised to see Oscar in front, when I thought he was behind me for the stop. So, yeah, we'll review that."

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