MELBOURNE:
Charles Leclerc stated he was “positively stunned” by Ferrari’s efficiency after coming third in Sunday’s season-opener in Melbourne however admitted a whole lot of work was wanted to reel in Mercedes.
The Monaco driver began fourth on the grid however had a lightning begin to surge previous pole-sitter George Russell and his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli.
It sparked an exciting battle with the lead altering fingers a number of occasions earlier than Mercedes had a greater pit-stop technique, then used sheer tempo to drag clear and take the highest two locations.
“More than happy is possibly a giant phrase, however I’m positively stunned, for certain, after qualifying yesterday,” stated Leclerc, who noticed Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton end a spot behind in fourth.
“I believe yesterday we weren’t in our optimum window, however we’re nonetheless very, very far off the Mercedes in qualifying, within the race, although we appear to be nearer.
“It doesn’t suggest we’re the quickest automobile, however we’re extra fairly behind. So a number of work to be achieved.
“And I believe this championship, anyway, can be gained by growth and upgrades.
“We have a lot coming,” he added. “I am certain all of the others do too, however hopefully we’re on the higher aspect of issues.”
The Melbourne race was basically gained when each the Mercedes pitted throughout an early digital security automobile section and the Ferraris stayed out.
When the Scuderia pair made their stops, they emerged behind Russell and Antonelli, playing that the Mercedes pair would wish to go in once more for recent tyres.
However they stored going and there was no manner again for Leclerc.
“I do not remorse it. It was a aware alternative,” he stated.
