Leclerc expects fight with Red Bull again: 'Everything is to play for'

Charles Leclerc made a positive impression during the Grands Prix of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. With a respectively first and second final position he showed Max Verstappen that he is ready to fight for the world title this season. However, the Monegasque also sees that he is facing serious competition, he told Formula1.com.

The leader in the world championship is preparing for the GP of Australia. He expects to fight with Red Bull Racing again, as was the case during the first two races. Because of the changes to the circuit, he doesn't dare say much about Ferrari's chances in Australia.

"Everything is to play for, and I still think we will be in the mix; it will still be very close, it is not like it is going to be a big gap so if we do the perfect weekend anything is possible," says Leclerc, who thinks Ferrari will have a harder time. "I think the old track would have suited us better."

Thanks to its rock-solid season start, Ferrari is now one of the favorites for the world title. Team boss Mattia Binotto let it be known earlier this week that he does not want to know anything about that for the time being. According to Binotto the outside world should not underestimate the qualities of Mercedes and Red Bull.