Leclerc offers assessment of 'difficult' Ferrari 2023

Charles Leclerc has branded his 2023 season as "disappointing" after Ferrari failed to deliver on their promise with the SF-23.

The car was anticipated to fix most of the problems they encountered with their 2022 challenger, but it proved to be unpredictable for the drivers at high speed and tough to drive in the races.

This meant neither Leclerc or team-mate Carlos Sainz could mount a credible title challenge, in stark contrast to the Monogasque's start to last year when he won two of the first three races.

Reflecting on his season, Leclerc told media, including RacingNews365: "To be honest it's been a disappointing season.

"After last year, we expected to come to this season and try and fight for the championship which after the first race.

"We straightaway understood how difficult it will be compared to the Red Bull that had done a huge step forward, especially in race pace. We didn't do the same step. So from that moment onwards, it was a bit disappointing."

Leclerc: Big gap to fill to Red Bull

Leclerc believes there will be a "big gap to fill" to get back fighting with Red Bull up front, having lost out to Mercedes in the battle for second in the Constructors' Championship this year.

"On the other hand, if you just look at this season – forget about last season – I think we've progressed quite a lot throughout the season which is positive and makes me confident for the future," said Leclerc.

"But there's a big gap to fill to get back the Red Bull's so we'll work hard during the winter break and hopefully we'll come back stronger next year with a car that is capable of winning."