Leclerc issues Ferrari warning in McLaren F1 title fight

Charles Leclerc has insisted Ferrari can't rely on its good results of late as it targets its first F1 title in 16 years.

Ferrari currently sit 36 points down on McLaren in the constructors' championship with three rounds remaining in the campaign.

Both teams last won a title in 2008 - McLaren prevailed in the drivers' standings while the constructors' title went to Ferrari.

The Italian squad's strong late-season form has brought it into contention for the title, while reigning champions Red Bull lies marginally behind Ferrari, having slipped down the order this year.

Leclerc has highlighted Ferrari has bought into the belief it can end its championship drought at the conclusion of the season.

“More than the feeling, I think the target is to beat McLaren,” Leclerc told media including RacingNews365. “We really think that we have a shot at it this year.

“We’ve been particularly strong in the last few races, but we are also aware that we can't rely on the good results of the last few races. We've got to focus step by step.”

Leclerc has scored six podiums in the last eight races - including two victories in Italy and the US.

However, the Monegasque driver insists Ferrari is focusing race-by-race in order to achieve its championship goal.

“The mentality is super important in those times, and not let yourself carried away with the positive environment we are in at the moment, and just work as hard as whenever we were in the tough time,” Leclerc said.

“And that's what we are trying to do, to try and put everything together, to first of all focus on this race and try to maximise everything.

“There are still lots of points to grab this weekend. In Qatar there will be a sprint weekend as well, so quite a lot of points. We’ve just got to stay on it and stay focused until the end.”