Charles Leclerc issues Ferrari plea to fix major weakness

Charles Leclerc is hoping to see improvements from Ferrari going forward regarding its pace in changing conditions.

Ferrari endured a difficult opening round to the 2025 F1 season as Leclerc crossed the line in eighth while team-mate Lewis Hamilton had to settle for the final point on offer on his debut with the team.

The race was held in wet conditions, however drivers did briefly switch to dry tyres under a safety car before heavy rain pelted the circuit once again in the final laps.

Ferrari was unable to match the pace of McLaren and Red Bull during the grand prix, leaving Leclerc to scratch his head over the margin.

“We were pretty similar to Mercedes in front, but that was it,” Leclerc told media including RacingNews365.

“McLaren and Red Bull were so much faster. There's a lot of work to be done.

“Why [Ferrari struggle], especially in those conditions, I don't know yet.”

Leclerc revealed the mystery cause behind Ferrari's lack of pace in changing conditions has plagued the team for several years.

“It's been a weakness that we've had [for] quite a few years,” Leclerc said. 

“We've been quite up and down whenever it was raining and damp. We’ve got to work on that.”

Leclerc rues wrong choice in Australian GP chaos

Late on in the race when heavy rain hit the circuit, Ferrari initially opted to keep its drivers out on the track with dry tyres in the hope of the gamble paying off in the final laps.

However, it was forced to concede defeat and make a pit stop which cost it even more points, dropping both drivers to the fringes of the points.

“It was definitely a missed opportunity,” Leclerc added, reflecting on the race. 

“I mean, especially in those conditions, when it's changing and you don't have the pace, it's there that you've got to score the points. - and we didn't. 

“We were not fast enough at the beginning of the race when the race was kind of boring.

“Once it mattered to make the right choice, we didn't.”