Charles Leclerc has expressed his astonishment at McLaren’s remarkable performance in hot conditions during the ongoing 2025 F1 season. The McLaren team is currently dominating both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, with drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in a fierce battle for the drivers’ title. Leclerc, who drives for Ferrari, noted that third-placed Max Verstappen is already trailing Norris by a considerable 46 points after ten races, underscoring McLaren’s strong position this season.
Despite expectations that the top teams would compete closely due to stable regulations from the previous year, McLaren has made unexpected strides. Leclerc admitted he was at a loss to explain McLaren’s superior pace, particularly in warmer weather. “I wish I knew what made McLaren so fast this year,” he stated, attributing their success to several factors rather than a single innovation.
McLaren’s impressive performances have particularly stood out in hot conditions, as evidenced during races in Miami and Austria where Norris and Piastri managed to extend their lead even while fighting on the track. Leclerc recalled a standout lap by Piastri in Bahrain under demanding heat, remarking, “You look and you’re just a bit lost for words… They’ve found something especially when it’s warm.”
On a positive note for Ferrari fans, Leclerc mentioned recent upgrades, including a revised floor design introduced at the Red Bull Ring, which significantly improved their performance, enabling Ferrari to claim the second-fastest time in Austria. While he acknowledges McLaren’s current advantage, Leclerc remains optimistic about future upgrades aimed at closing the performance gap, stating, “We are doing everything in order to close that gap as much as possible… It’s a significant advantage that they have at the moment.”
Leclerc’s comments highlight both the challenges Ferrari faces in overcoming McLaren’s dominance and his confidence in their ability to make necessary improvements. This dynamic within the team adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing season as Ferrari continues to strive for competitiveness against their rivals.
As the race season progresses, many fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how Ferrari’s advancements will impact their standings and if they can mount a successful challenge against the powerful McLaren team.