Leclerc Seeks to Silence Criticism at Ferrari After Podium Finish at US GP

Leclerc Seeks to Silence Rumors with Podium Finish at US GP

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc hopes his podium finish at the United States Grand Prix will silence speculation about the future of Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur. Ferrari’s season has been disappointing, with no grand prix victories and only six podium finishes in 19 races this year. The race weekend in Austin unfolded amid rumors that Vasseur could be replaced by former Red Bull team boss Christian Horner next year. Lewis Hamilton called this a “distraction”. Ferrari CEO John Elkann felt the need to reiterate his support for his team principal despite having signed Vasseur to a new contract less than three months ago. After Sunday’s race, Leclerc expressed that Ferrari could be proud to have achieved a podium finish amidst the rumors and speculation.

Charles Leclerc took third place, behind winner Max Verstappen and runner-up Lando Norris. The US Grand Prix is his sixth podium of the season.Leclerc commented that the second part of the season has not been easy, with unfounded rumors and speculation surrounding the team. He highlighted that the podium obtained demonstrates the team’s ability to stay focused and be rewarded. The driver expressed his satisfaction with the result, mentioning the problem with the gearbox during Friday’s practice, which cost them track time. However, they managed to recover, improving performance in qualifying and the race. Ferrari hasn’t had a winless season since 2021, but despite the podium momentum, Leclerc doubts a win is possible in the last five races of 2025.

I still want to believe that we can win a race before the end of the season, but then again, I think we have to be realistic about our situation. And I don’t think we have the car to do it. I think this weekend has been the perfect weekend for the team.

Charles Leclerc

Leclerc added that he would be surprised if they could achieve something better by the end of the year, and that they will take each race with caution. Similarly, Lewis Hamilton commented that the performance is “in the right direction”, but that the team needs more consistency. Hamilton said he feels better in the car and will immerse himself in the coming days to try to figure out how to extract more performance. The team’s goal is to finish ahead of Mercedes, and secure second place in the constructors’ championship.