Leclerc backs Ferrari updates despite disappointing Miami GP outcome

After being Mercedes' main competitor during the opening rounds of the season, Ferrari had a difficult Sunday in the United States. Lewis Hamilton eventually finished sixth, while Charles Leclerc also missed out on the podium. After a chaotic final lap, which included hitting the wall and cutting several corners, he received a 20-second time penalty that dropped him to eighth place.

Ferrari brought a stunning 11 (!) upgrades to the state of Florida last weekend. According to Leclerc, the new parts worked well. He explained to GPblog, among others, in Miami: "The upgrade package is working. The thing is others are pushing as well and probably the upgrade package was a little bit better."

He teased that more parts will soon be available for the Scuderia as well. Leclerc continued: "We've got other things coming soon and hopefully that will help us to get back a little bit in front. It's fine details, but with this generation of cars, especially on this first year, it will all be about the development. So we'll have to make sure we do everything perfect in terms of development."

About his final lap incident, the Monegasque driver explained: "I mean, the damage was significant. To tell you exactly what the damage was, I’m not so sure. I’m pretty sure there was a puncture; there was probably some suspension damage as well, as I couldn’t really turn to the right anymore. So yeah, I mean, I’m very disappointed with myself. It’s all on me, and it’s a mistake."

He concluded: "I obviously need to look at it because, with these cars, you always have a bit of a question mark over how much it deploys, and considering it was the last lap, maybe there was a bit more out of that corner, as you just need to finish the lap with that amount of energy. But that’s not an excuse in any way. It’s all on me, and it’s not acceptable. I need to look at that."