Charles Leclerc receives 'primary' weakness verdict after hitting 'rock bottom'

Seven-time Formula 1 race winner René Arnoux has identified Charles Leclerc's main weakness as being "primarily mental", believing the Monegasque has reached "rock bottom" psychologically.

Despite signing a new Ferrari contract ahead of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, Leclerc has endured a challenging start to the new power unit regulations.

While he has often displayed strong one-lap pace, frequently outperforming Lewis Hamilton, Leclerc has made several high-profile mistakes.

Leclerc spun on the final lap in Miami while running in a podium position, was well off the pace in Canada, hit the wall on his final qualifying lap in Monaco, crashed out of the Monaco Grand Prix while running third, and then crashed again while fighting for pole in Barcelona.

The 28-year-old was Ferrari's strongest contender for pole in Barcelona, only to apply the power too early while on an excellent lap. To add to his woes, a power steering failure forced him to retire from the race.

Meanwhile, Hamilton has claimed three consecutive podiums, the most recent being an emotional victory at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Leclerc, after voicing major complaints about Brembo's brakes, has switched to Hamilton's brake set-up in a bid to turn his form around.

In Arnoux's opinion, the Ferrari driver lacks confidence in the SF-26 and that his biggest weakness is currently his mindset, largely due to Hamilton's remarkable form.

"Right now, his morale is rock bottom," Arnoux told La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

"He's shown a fragility that was unexpected in some ways, making too many mistakes. He crashed in Miami, Monte Carlo, and Barcelona. 

"He's clearly not comfortable with the car, but the problem is primarily mental. He wasn't expecting this level of competitiveness from Hamilton."