Leclerc leads Ferrari one-two finish, sparks constructors' championship hopes
U.S. GP, Charles Leclerc: Ferrari can win constructors' title
AUSTIN – In a resounding display of dominance at the U.S. Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc led a Ferrari one-two finish, igniting hopes for the team's first constructors' championship since 2008. Leclerc's impressive start saw him swiftly overhaul the duelling Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, securing a commanding victory ahead of teammate Carlos Sainz.
This result catapulted Ferrari past Red Bull into second place in the constructors' standings and positioned them within 40 points of current leaders McLaren. Leclerc's triumph, combined with Ferrari's consistently strong pace throughout the weekend, underscored significant improvements following their latest upgrades introduced at the Circuit of the Americas.
Leclerc was optimistic about Ferrari's championship prospects, emphasizing the team's focus and resilience.
"We've got to target winning the constructors' title," Leclerc asserted post-race. "It's an optimistic goal but that's what we are here for. We will do the math like any other season, until then, the best thing we can do is to focus on ourselves, on our own performance, just like we did this weekend."
The Monegasque driver highlighted the importance of maintaining this momentum:
"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."
Drivers' championship: a more challenging prospect
Despite the team's optimistic outlook in the constructors' race, Leclerc was realistic about his prospects in the drivers' championship. Currently trailing Max Verstappen by 79 points, he acknowledged the uphill battle ahead.
"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 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."
Leclerc admitted the drivers' championship remains a long shot: "The drivers' seems quite unlikely but I will believe it until it's mathematically impossible... but [it's] trickier."
Ferrari's resurgence at the U.S. Grand Prix has rekindled the team's hopes of a constructors' title, showcasing their potential with a dominant performance. While Leclerc remains cautious about his individual championship chances, his focus and determination reflect a team determined to reclaim its place at the pinnacle of Formula 1. The final races of the season promise to be a thrilling contest as Ferrari aims to close the gap on McLaren and potentially secure their first constructors' championship in over a decade.
