Source – Inquirer.net
Red Bull has “never ruled out” Charles Leclerc in the Formula One championship race.
Charles Leclerc is keeping a close eye on Red Bull in the battle for the F1 championship, refusing to discount their threat as the season heads towards its final stretch. Ferrari currently holds third place in the constructors’ standings, trailing Red Bull by just 34 points. It’s a close fight, one that no one—including Leclerc—expected after Red Bull’s dominant early-season performance.
Red Bull had looked unstoppable, with many predicting an easy title for the Milton Keynes-based team. But with Ferrari and McLaren picking up momentum and Red Bull’s form faltering in recent races, the championship battle is far from over. One of the most surprising turns came at the recent Singapore Grand Prix, where Ferrari was expected to outshine their rivals. Instead, Red Bull clawed back a crucial point more, largely thanks to an unexpected podium finish by Max Verstappen. The Singapore race had been a historical weak point for Red Bull, but the reigning champions defied expectations once again.
Leclerc, speaking after the race, admitted that Verstappen’s podium finish was something of a concern, but he stopped short of being alarmed. He acknowledged that recent races had been unusual in terms of car characteristics, which contributed to Red Bull’s inconsistent performance. However, the Monégasque driver has never written off Red Bull, fully aware of the potential strength they can show in the remaining races.
For Ferrari, consistency has been key. Despite a difficult stretch following the Canadian Grand Prix, where the team struggled to find form, Leclerc and teammate Carlos Sainz have worked hard to maximize their results. Ferrari hasn’t always had the fastest car, but Leclerc believes their ability to extract every possible point from each race has kept them in the title hunt.
When asked if he expected Ferrari to still be in the mix at this point in the season, Leclerc admitted that the team was just as surprised as anyone. After the first few races of the season, it seemed like Red Bull would walk away with another easy championship. But the tide began to turn when McLaren found an extra gear, rapidly improving their performance and making it a three-team contest.
Now, with six races and three sprint events remaining, Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull are locked in a fierce battle. Ferrari’s hopes rest on maintaining their hard-fought consistency and hoping that Red Bull’s recent struggles persist. Leclerc knows that every point will count, and with the title still within reach, he and Ferrari will be pushing hard until the final checkered flag.
Looking ahead, Leclerc remains cautious but optimistic. He knows that Red Bull has the potential to bounce back at any moment, but he is confident that Ferrari’s consistency could pay off in the end. The championship race is far from decided, and as the teams head into the crucial final phase of the season, Leclerc’s Ferrari remains a strong contender for the crown. Whether Red Bull can regain their dominant form or Ferrari and McLaren can capitalize on their recent gains will define the final stages of an unpredictable and thrilling season.
