Charles Leclerc offers worrying Ferrari upgrades prediction

Charles Leclerc has offered a worrying prediction that Ferrari's latest upgrades will not "fundamentally change" the SF-25's performance. 

The Maranello-based outfit has introduced an upgrades package for this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, to the pleasure of Lewis Hamilton. 

However, Leclerc is less optimistic about the new parts, although does expect small gains to be made. 

Whilst the Monegasque is hopeful that progress will be made with the upgrades at the Red Bull Ring, he has already ruled out becoming as competitive as Red Bull and McLaren. 

Both McLaren and Red Bull also have brand-new upgrades in Spielberg, which could further split the top four teams.

As for Mercedes, Leclerc is unsure if Ferrari's new package can overcome the Silver Arrows, given the Brackley-based outfit's inconsistent perfomances.

When asked by select media, including RacingNews365, how much potential could be unlocked with the upgrades, Leclerc replied: "I don't know. I don't think that it will again, fundamentally change. 

"What we are looking to do is to do small steps in the right direction, and obviously try and understand what direction can we push in the future. 

"So I expect steps forward. Would it be enough to close the gaps to McLaren? Probably not, because, for now, they are too far ahead, McLaren and Red Bull.  

"As I said many times, Mercedes is a lot more up and down, so it's a bit more difficult to judge with them. But I think it will be a step in the right direction. How much I don't know."