Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has taken four consecutive pole positions at the F1 Azerbaijan GP, falling short of victory each time. Leclerc continues to chase his first race win of the season amidst McLaren’s dominance. Ferrari currently sit P2 in the World Constructors’ Championship, 20 points ahead of Mercedes in P3. Ahead of the F1 Azerbaijan GP, Leclerc hopes for a change in his luck and car performance.
Ferrari’s race pace at F1 Azerbaijan GP is lacking
Despite achieving 4 straight pole positions in Baku this decade, Leclerc warns of Ferrari’s lacking race pace this time around. Last year, Leclerc took pole position ahead of Oscar Piastri, but lost the win after an aggressive divebomb move from the Australian. In a print media session on Thursday, Leclerc admitted he thinks McLaren and Red Bull are the favourites to win the F1 Azerbaijan GP.
“I still have this feeling, but mostly based on many years coming here. And most of the time we were not the favourites on paper, and then we ended up having pole. But that doesn’t mean we can win them on Sunday.
“Pole position is what puts you in the best possible place to start the race, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that then we’ll have the race pace. And that’s what we’ve been lacking in the past years.
“I don’t have a big hope that this year is going to be significantly different. I think McLaren is going to be the strongest team alongside Red Bull, because I think that in Monza they definitely had something that seems to be working very well. It’s not going to be easy.”
Leclerc: “I always feel very good in street tracks”
Ahead of the F1 Azerbaijan GP, Leclerc commented on his affinity for street circuits. Tracks such as the Baku Street Circuit and his home race in Monaco have always suited the Monegasque driver. Despite Ferrari’s lacking race pace in 2025, Leclerc remains hopeful he can fight for the win.
“In the past years, I’ve been particularly strong on this track also against my teammates. So I think there’s most likely something down to track characteristics that fits my driving style a little bit better. I always feel very good in street tracks, as well. But there’s something more around that track that for some reason seems to be fitting me well, which is a good thing.
“Unfortunately that didn’t bring me to win any races, so that’s the only thing I’m targeting this weekend.”
