The United States Grand Prix saw a resurgent Ferrari dominate proceedings, with Charles Leclerc leading teammate Carlos Sainz to a commanding one-two finish. The result not only marked the Scuderia’s second double podium of the season but also propelled them past Red Bull into second place in the constructors’ standings.
Perhaps more significantly, it reduced Ferrari’s deficit to championship leaders McLaren to a tantalizing 40 points with four races still to go. This dramatic swing in fortunes has left Leclerc brimming with optimism about his team’s title prospects.
Leclerc Sets Sights on Constructors’ Crown
Speaking after his emphatic victory at the Circuit of the Americas, the Monégasque driver made a bold declaration:
“We’ve got to target winning the constructors’ title. It’s an optimistic goal but that’s what we are here for.”
– Charles Leclerc
Leclerc acknowledged that overhauling McLaren’s advantage would require a near-perfect run-in to the season finale in Abu Dhabi. However, he insisted that Ferrari must focus solely on maximizing its own performance rather than worrying about its rivals.
Upgraded Car Key to Resurgence
Central to Ferrari’s renewed competitiveness has been the major upgrade package introduced this weekend in Austin. The raft of aerodynamic and engine modifications appeared to work wonders, with the SF90 displaying prodigious pace in both qualifying and race trim.
Leclerc, who took pole position and led every lap on Sunday, was effusive in his praise for the updated machinery:
“It’s been a really good weekend for the team and for the constructors’ title. We will try to reproduce that as often as possible, and hopefully at the end of the year when we do the math we will have won the constructors’ title.”
– Charles Leclerc
Drivers’ Title a Tall Order
While bullish about Ferrari’s constructors’ chances, Leclerc was more circumspect regarding his own prospects of overhauling Max Verstappen’s 79-point lead in the drivers’ championship. The 24-year-old conceded that usurping the Dutchman would likely require a dose of good fortune alongside flawless execution.
“If we do everything perfect until the end of the season, no matter what McLaren does, if we do better than them I think we can still clinch that [constructors’] title. With the drivers’, I see it a bit in a different way. If we do everything perfect it will require a bit of luck to get that title, we cannot really rely on luck.”
– Charles Leclerc
Nevertheless, Leclerc vowed to keep believing in his chances until the mathematics definitively ruled him out of contention. With 104 points still up for grabs, the Ferrari ace knows that anything remains possible in this most unpredictable of seasons.
Silver Lining for the Scuderia
Regardless of whether Ferrari can complete a miraculous turnaround in either championship, Leclerc’s victory in Austin provided a much-needed fillip for the Italian squad. After a trying first half of the campaign marred by reliability woes and strategic missteps, the scarlet cars’ return to winning ways felt like a reaffirmation of the team’s inherent potential.
Should the Maranello-based outfit maintain its current trajectory, Leclerc’s bold prediction of constructors’ glory may not seem quite so fanciful. With the European season on the horizon and a number of traditionally favorable circuits lying in wait, write off Ferrari’s title tilt at your peril.
