Leclerc optimisitc over Ferrari's chances at COTA

Charles Leclerc has expressed confidence that Ferrari can have a stronger weekend in the United States compared to recent events.

The Maranello-based squad struggled at the last two rounds in Japan and Qatar following its victory in Singapore with Carlos Sainz.

However, Sainz failed to start the Grand Prix in Lusail due to a fuel leak pre-race while Leclerc classified in fifth, almost 40 seconds down on race-winner Max Verstappen.

Speaking to media including RacingNews365.com, Leclerc replied when asked if Ferrari will be stronger this weekend compared to Qatar: “I hope so.

“I think on paper, Qatar was probably one of the worst tracks for us - for the conditions but also for the track characteristics itself

“Having said that, I think on Sprint sprint weekends, the thing that has the most influence is how your FP1 goes because from FP1 you can't change your car anymore.

“So the priority is to start FP1 strongly and then to take the right decision with the setup. We know that this is crucial for the rest of the weekend.”

Leclerc detailed exactly where Ferrari has been struggling at the last handful of rounds.

“All the high speed you need you need confidence, that's clear,” he said.

“Where we've been lacking a bit more in the last few races was the medium and slow-speed corners. So this is where we'll be focusing more.”