Charles Leclerc delivers Ferrari blow in McLaren F1 hunt

Charles Leclerc has acknowledged Ferrari is unlikely to beat McLaren on straight pace at any of the remaining F1 tracks this year.

McLaren has enjoyed a successful opening 14 rounds of the campaign, triumphing at 11 grands prix.

Its advantage over the rest of the field has seen it stretch out a significant gap in the drivers' and constructors' championship standings.

Ferrari, however, is the only team inside the top four that is yet to secure a race win this season.

With McLaren setting a high bar, Leclerc does not think Ferrari can usurp the Woking-based squad at the remaining rounds.

“I don't think there's one track at the moment where we think we are stronger than McLaren,” Leclerc told media including RacingNews365. 

“Consistently, McLaren is going to be the strongest car this year.”

Despite being winless so far this year, Ferrari currently sit second in the constructors' championship ahead of Mercedes and Red Bull.

With the battle for the runner-up position firmly between the trio, Leclerc suggested McLaren will remain the favourite at every remaining event.

“Red Bull is a little bit more up and down, a bit like us and Mercedes, but there's one constant and that is McLaren,” he added.

“For now, I don't think there are any tracks where I go to and think we will be the favourite, but I hope I'll be surprised.”