Leclerc shocked by 'very difficult' recent results

Charles Leclerc has conceded that his recent results since winning the Monaco Grand Prix have been "very difficult" to accept, with Ferrari having taken a step backwards since introducing a recent upgrades package. 

Ferrari looked exceptional in the opening rounds and even claimed a one-three in Monaco; however, an upgrades package for the Spanish Grand Prix has had a dramatic impact on the SF24. 

Since Monaco, Ferrari has dropped from second to fourth in the pecking order. Leclerc has failed to score points in two of the last three races, most recently the Austrian Grand Prix. 

This was not entirely his fault though, as the Monegasque was last at the end of the first lap after being sandwiched between Oscar Piastri and Sergio Perez at the first corner. 

In Leclerc's eyes, Perez was too eager heading into the first corner of the 71-lap race at the Red Bull Ring.

"I tried to back out but I feel like Checo was a bit optimistic on that one, it never really ends well in turn one here if you try and go three-wide, already two-wide is quite tricky," Leclerc told select media including RacingNews365. 

"So three-wide was very difficult. I didn't know Checo was on my inside, and I just find myself as a passenger. 

"And then when I braked, Checo braked even later and then once you're there, you're there. So then I tried to manage the situation in the best possible way but it wasn't possible."

Work required

Since finally winning the Monaco GP, Leclerc has retired in Canada, finished fifth in Spain and then 11th in Austria last weekend. 

It has impacted his and Ferrari's championship hopes, although the numbers the Italian outfit is receiving suggests progress has been made. 

Despite this, Leclerc recognises some issues remain which need to be solved, as soon as possible.

"There are very little coincidences in Formula 1, and especially when it's two weekends in a row so we've got to look into it and analyse," added Leclerc. 

"But the numbers we are seeing them, so that means we have done a step forward. However there are other limitations that we need to look into to try and get rid of."

Leclerc continued: "I did not expect these three results we've had since Monaco. It's been very, very difficult for the team. So there's a lot of work to be done."