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Charles Leclerc happy with podium amid the speculation over Ferrari leadership. Photo: RacePictutes

Leclerc pleased with podium after "unfounded noise and rumours"

12:48, 20 Oct

byDrew Murphy

Charles Leclerc was thrilled to achieve a podium for Ferrari at the United States Grand Prix amid the rumours and speculation over the future of team principal Frederic Vasseur.

“The second part of the season hasn’t been easy. There is completely unfounded noise and rumours around the team.”

- Charles Leclerc on Ferrari’s team principal rumours

Leclerc claimed his sixth podium of 2025 after a long battle with Lando Norris, the day after Ferrari chairman John Elkann stated he had “full confidence” in team principal Vasseur.

The statement came in response to rumours linking former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner with Ferrari.

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Charles Leclerc celebrates his podium with the Ferrari pit crew. Photo: RacePictures

Leclerc unhappy with Ferrari’s struggles

“It was a really good race for us. So it’s a good thing, especially considering the whole situation.

“I think to demonstrate that in those kinds of situations, we can stay focused on the job and be rewarded with a podium is a really nice feeling.”

This season, Ferrari has not matched expectations.

After coming just 14 points behind McLaren in the 2024 Constructor Championship, many believed they would be battling with the team in papaya again.

However, they currently sit third, behind Mercedes and 344 points behind last year’s rivals, McLaren.

Battle with Norris

Leclerc opted to start on the soft compound tyres, while Norris chose the medium compound tyres. This proved to work as the Monegasque immediately overtook Norris and frustrated the Briton for the majority of the race.

The 28-year-old ended up ahead of Norris again after their pit stops and continued to duel with him until lap 51, when Norris eventually got past him and finished in second place.

Despite ultimately losing out to the McLaren driver, Leclerc claimed his first podium since the Belgian Grand Prix in July.

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Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris battling during the United States Grand Prix. Photo: RacePictures

Worried by his strategy

With the majority off the grid opting for the medium compound tyre, Leclerc admitted to feeling a little nervous over his choice of softs.

“I was a little bit worried when I saw that I was the only car on softs at the beginning, but I kind of knew that it was a bit of a risky move.

“What I had in mind was to use the softs to try to get free air. It was quite optimistic because we had two cars in front, but that’s what we tried to do.

“We at least gained a position, and that helped us a lot for the rest of the race.”