Charles Leclerc Tempered on Ferrari Podiums After United States GP Success
Austin, USA – October 24, 2025: Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has called for measured expectations for the remainder of the 2025 Formula 1 season, following his first podium since Belgium, which he secured at the United States Grand Prix in Austin last week. The third-place finish at the Circuit of The Americas marked both Leclerc’s and Ferrari’s sixth podium of the season — five third places and a second-place finish in Monaco.
Despite the encouraging result, Leclerc remained grounded. “I am not surprised by the fact that we are missing a bit more performance going throughout the end of the year, especially considering that probably Mercedes and Red Bull are two of the teams that pushed their development a bit later than other teams,” Leclerc said during Friday’s media session. He emphasized that Ferrari’s gap relative to McLaren has largely remained unchanged and suggested that the team’s focus has already shifted to next year’s championship campaign.
Ferrari concluded active car development earlier than many rivals, opting instead to optimize setup and operational efficiencies. Leclerc acknowledged that the Austin podium provided a significant morale boost for the team. “It has been a long time, and it’s good for everybody in the team to finally see a little bit of improvement,” he said. He added a note of realism regarding further podiums: “Whether from now on we can consistently fight for a podium, I think it is a long shot, but I will try to make this happen again this weekend.”
Lewis Hamilton Shows Progress
While Leclerc returned to the rostrum, his Ferrari teammate, Lewis Hamilton, matched his season-best fourth place — equalling his result from Silverstone earlier this year. The seven-time World Champion remains in search of his first podium with Ferrari but expressed optimism following a positive weekend in Austin.
“I’m finally feeling like I’m on top of the car,” Hamilton said after the race, calling the weekend a “major step forward.” Hamilton maintained an upbeat outlook ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, noting: “Coming from a positive weekend... I’m confident that this weekend, we can try to do the same again. I think we’re on the right path.”
The Briton attributed the progress to patience and teamwork since joining Ferrari this season. “I feel like we’re going in the right direction, and I think – Rome wasn’t built in a day, so it takes time to build,” he explained. Hamilton highlighted the importance of observing and understanding Ferrari’s internal strengths and weaknesses, adding that collaboration has helped address areas for improvement.
Leclerc echoed Hamilton’s sentiment, emphasizing that the team is responding to ongoing development efforts. “But I do feel that they have been responding. I think you’re starting to see some of the impact of the work that we’re doing in the background,” he said.
Season Context and Implications
The 2025 season has been marked by fierce competition between Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull, with each team introducing strategic upgrades throughout the year. Ferrari’s decision to focus on operational refinement rather than aggressive late-season development reflects a broader strategy aimed at 2026 championship ambitions.
Historically, Ferrari has faced challenges when trailing rivals who accelerate development mid-season. Red Bull and Mercedes, in particular, have introduced power unit and aerodynamic upgrades later in the calendar, allowing them to close gaps in the latter half of the season. Leclerc’s acknowledgment of this reality underlines the strategic patience required for sustained success.
For Leclerc, Austin represents not only a confidence boost but also a test of consistency and adaptability. While the driver celebrated his return to the podium, he remains focused on long-term objectives, prioritizing learning and incremental performance gains. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s steady adaptation to Ferrari machinery suggests that the team is beginning to gel under a dual-driver strategy, combining experience with Leclerc’s speed and Hamilton’s tactical insights.
Upcoming Challenges
With races remaining in Mexico, Brazil, and Abu Dhabi, Ferrari faces a critical period to consolidate points and evaluate car performance before the off-season development freeze. Analysts note that while podiums may be harder to come by, the team’s focus on next-year car efficiency could pay dividends for 2026.
The collaboration between Leclerc and Hamilton also hints at potential strategic growth. Both drivers’ perspectives on car performance, tire management, and race strategy provide Ferrari with actionable data, essential for refining setups and maximizing competitiveness against Red Bull and Mercedes.
Charles Leclerc’s cautious optimism reflects a balanced approach for Ferrari as the 2025 season winds down. While podium finishes may be limited, the lessons learned from Austin and the positive momentum in driver performance set the stage for a strong 2026 campaign. The focus on teamwork, car development, and strategic planning underscores Ferrari’s long-term vision — one that seeks sustainable success rather than short-term glory.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com:
Leclerc’s podium in Austin was a reminder that Ferrari remains competitive, but the true measure of success will be the foundation they lay for next season. With Hamilton settling in and the team honing its operations, Ferrari is positioning itself for a potential resurgence in 2026. Fans should temper expectations for the remaining 2025 races but remain hopeful for a renewed title challenge next year.