Leclerc offers pessimistic verdict on catching Red Bull

Charles Leclerc has cast doubt on Ferrari's chances of catching Red Bull with the latest updates to their car at the Miami Grand Prix.

The team plans to introduce some small upgrades this weekend to their car for their front wing, as part of their strategy to introduce the next phases over the coming races in Imola and Spain for the SF-23.

But when asked if the upgrades will bring them closer to Red Bull, particularly after showing pace in Baku that was good enough for Pole Position, Leclerc was not convinced that it will be an immediate resurgence.

"I don't think it will be enough to fight with them [Red Bull]. But yeah, it will go in the right direction I'm sure," he told media, including RacingNews365.com.

Leclerc: Baku confirms how strong our car is

The third place in Azerbaijan was the first time Leclerc has finished a race since mid-March, having crashed out of the Australian Grand Prix on the opening lap.

Leclerc also failed to finish in the season opener in Bahrain, with the team struggling with tyre degradation in Saudi Arabia.

According to Monegasque, the pole in both the normal and Sprint Shootout confirms that Ferrari has a "strong car" capable of finishing regularly on the podium as they battle with Aston Martin and Mercedes.

"Azerbaijan went really well, we had our first pole which is great. I think it confirms how strong of a car we have, especially in qualifying," he added.

"But then in the race, it confirmed a little bit our weaknesses that we still need to work on our race pace as the Red Bull is just too strong for now."