Have they squandered their World Championship chances? Can Ferrari still beat leaders Mercedes?

The extent of Mercedes’ dominance this year is easily seen from the figures, as they speak for themselves. The German works team has claimed the top step of the podium eight times in twelve Grands Prix. Following the latest showdown at Zandvoort, their lead over closest rivals Ferrari stands at 87 points.

The Mercedes drivers are also leading the way in the drivers’ standings: Kimi Antonelli is the undisputed leader with 242 World Championship points, with his team-mate George Russell and Ferrari star Lewis Hamilton trailing the 20-year-old Italian by 59 points, whilst his team-mate occupies second place ahead of the record-holding Grand Prix winner from the Ferrari team. Charles Leclerc, who is battling for World Championship points in the second Ferrari, is currently only fifth in the standings, 87 points behind the leader from Bologna.

Can the tide still be turned, or has the championship train already left the station for Ferrari? The Monegasque driver explored this question during his appearance on the official Formula 1 podcast ‘Beyond The Grid’. He explained that the championship battle is very difficult to predict because, in the first year with the latest generation of cars, everything revolves around further development.

Charles Leclerc: That’s why the upgrades are the decisive factor

“I don’t want to waste too much energy on that either,” said Leclerc, brushing aside the question about Ferrari’s chances against the current frontrunners. “The upgrades will decide the World Championship this year. They’re crucial with these new cars, which have significantly less downforce. Because every point of downforce that can be gained makes a huge difference in terms of how the car feels on the track,” says the nine-time Grand Prix winner.

“So the balance of power can change very quickly,” the 28-year-old concludes. He makes it clear: “My focus is on the race at hand. I’m taking it one Grand Prix at a time and don’t really dwell on whether we have a genuine chance of winning the world title. “But of course I believe in it as long as the World Championship isn’t decided yet. And of course it has long been my goal to win the title with Ferrari. I think we’re getting closer and closer to it. But I don’t know when that will happen. I hope we achieve it as soon as possible,” adds Leclerc.

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