Charles Leclerc issues Ferrari warning: 'Expect to pay the price'

Charles Leclerc is expecting Ferrari to “pay the price” on the straights in Austria as it looks to claim a second consecutive F1 victory.

The Italian squad ended its win drought last time out in Barcelona, where Lewis Hamilton secured his maiden victory with the team.

Ferrari’s improved form came after it introduced a significant upgrade package, which helped it end Mercedes’ winning run for the first time this season.

As Ferrari looks to carry that momentum into Austria, Leclerc conceded that the high-speed nature of the Red Bull Ring could play into Mercedes’ hands.

“In overall competitiveness, I still believe Mercedes will be the fastest car,” Leclerc told media including RacingNews365.

“But then with the heat, we were pretty good on tyres, actually, during the race, so I hope we can keep that strength going into this weekend. 

“However, there are longer straights, so the power units of Mercedes is better at the moment.

“I expect to pay the price a bit more so I think Mercedes remains the target.”

Ferrari is set to unveil its own engine upgrade this weekend as part of the ADUO programme.

Leclerc himself is chasing his first win since the US Grand Prix in 2024, but insists he is not feeling any pressure to do so.

“The fact that we haven't won for a long time is not something that adds particular pressure or whatsoever,” he said,

“Of course seeing Lewis win in Monaco [sic] makes me want to taste victory again, but the last few years we didn't have the car to do that.

“Now it feels like we are on track on getting back into a rhythm where we can achieve those race wins.

“It's my job to be fighting at the front, just like Lewis did in Barcelona.”