Leclerc outlines 'most difficult' challenge in Ferrari F1 title hunt

Charles Leclerc has predicted the Qatar Grand Prix will be the most challenging weekend remaining on the F1 schedule for Ferrari.

The Italian squad is hunting for its first F1 title in 16 years, sitting 36 points down on constructors' championship leaders Ferrari.

Qatar marks the penultimate round of the season and will also feature the sprint format for the final time this year.

However, Leclerc has predicted the Losail International Circuit, which will host an F1 event for the third time, will offer challenges to the Maranello-based squad.

“I think Qatar on paper is probably the most difficult weekend for us in the remaining ones,” Leclerc told media including RacingNews365.

While Leclerc sees Qatar as an obstacle for Ferrari, the 27-year-old signalled the upcoming round in Las Vegas as an opportunity for the team.

“I think Las Vegas should be a really good one for us and Abu Dhabi neutral.”

However, with margins at the front of the F1 field so close, Leclerc asserted making small gains can go a long way towards success during a race weekend.

“All in all, I come back to the point before that we really have to focus step by step,” he said.

“It’s very fine details and sometimes this can make a big difference.”

While Ferrari sit close behind McLaren in the standings, Red Bull remain in the hunt as it is just 13 points down on Ferrari in third place.