Charles Leclerc hands Ferrari blow after upgrades boost

Charles Leclerc handed Ferrari a blow that McLaren remain out of reach, despite a promising qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix using the new team's new upgrades. 

Ferrari introduced a new rear suspension following a positive filming day at Mugello, ahead of this weekend's action at Spa-Francorchamps. 

Leclerc has performed well for Ferrari in Belgium, unlike Lewis Hamilton whose weekend has been one of horror. 

The seven-time world champion was eliminated in SQ1 in sprint qualifying, finished the sprint in 16th and suffered a further early exit in qualifying for the grand prix. 

As for Leclerc, he qualified in fourth for the sprint, converted it into fourth in the 15-lap race and secured third on the grid in qualifying. 

He was McLaren's closest competitor, but recognised he cannot consistently challenge the Woking-based outfit. 

Asked if the upgrades are helping reduce Ferrari's limitations, Leclerc told media: Yes and no. I think it's definitely going in the right direction once again as I was saying. 

"However, compared to the McLaren, I think we are probably on average three or four-tenths behind in qualifying. We’ll do a step forward. 

"I don't think though that we'll find those three or four tenths in that upgrade. But it will help us to get closer. 

"The more we use it, the more we'll be able to maximize this and there'll be some more potential to gain. But no, I don't think it's enough to be able to challenge the McLaren consistently from now on."