Charles Leclerc offers Ferrari slim Baku victory hope: 'I remain convinced'

Charles Leclerc has offered Ferrari a slim glimmer of hope that it can compete for victory in this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with the driver "convinced" it is possible. 

Since 2021, Leclerc has been unstoppable at the Baku City Circuit over a single lap, claiming four consecutive pole positions. 

However, he has yet to follow up with a victory in the Azerbaijan capital, something which is expected to be a tall order on Sunday. 

McLaren are again the hot favourites in Baku, while Leclerc also expects Red Bull to be strong following Max Verstappen's dominant win in Monza. 

Ferrari has not looked like challenging for a race win for much of the season, but Leclerc can never be counted out, given how fast he has consistently been at the 6.003 km track. 

Race pace has traditionally been Ferrari's issue in Baku, although Leclerc does view the venue as one of the few remaining places this year where a win could be achievable. 

Asked if he remains confident of a strong weekend in Baku, Leclerc told select media, including RacingNews365: "Yeah, I still have this feeling, but mostly based on many years coming here, and most of the time, we were not the favourites on paper, and then we ended up having pole. 

"But that doesn't mean we can win then on Sunday. Again, pole position puts you in the best possible place to start the race. But that doesn't necessarily mean that then we'll have the race pace, and that's what we've been lacking in the past years. 

"I don't have a big hope that this year is going to be significantly different. I think McLaren is going to be the strongest team alongside Red Bull, because I think that in Monza, they definitely [found] something that seems to be working very well. 

"So yeah, it's not going to be easy, but in the places where I think we have a bit more of a chance, I remain convinced that Baku is part of those."