Charles Leclerc struck a downbeat tone after Singapore, predicting Ferrari’s form is unlikely to shift significantly before season’s end. An early lift-and-coast instruction compromised his race rhythm and left him unable to mount a serious podium challenge.
Inside the race
Leclerc briefly ceded position to team-mate Lewis Hamilton to help attack Kimi Antonelli for fifth, then re-passed Hamilton late on as Ferrari tried to salvage its points haul.
The standings context
Ferrari trails Mercedes by 27 points in the fight for second in the constructors’ championship, and sits eight clear of Red Bull — all while still chasing a first grand prix win of the year.
Motivation vs. frustration
Leclerc admitted the lack of visible progress is tough to swallow after last season’s high expectations, but said the frustration fuels his drive to turn the situation around: “I don’t think there will be anything special… the picture we’ve seen this weekend is going to be what the rest of the season looks like for us.”
