Leclerc Says Ferrari Is Struggling In Mexico Grand Prix

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Highlights

Leclerc was second fastest in FP2, 0.153 seconds behind Verstappen
Ferrari recognizes Red Bull and McLaren as main Mexico challengers
McLaren leads in high-fuel pace; Ferrari aims to close gap
Hamilton placed fifth despite car instability at Mexico City’s altitude
Both Ferrari and Mercedes seek improvements before qualifying and race

Charles Leclerc sets the early Ferrari tone in Mexico City, finishing FP2 second to Max Verstappen by 0.153s. He still frames Red Bull and McLaren as the weekend’s benchmarks.

The session continues Ferrari’s momentum after Leclerc’s Austin podium, yet the hierarchy remains familiar. Red Bull holds the low-fuel edge, while McLaren looks strongest over long runs.

Verstappen leads FP2 but flags race-pace concerns. Leclerc believes Ferrari can narrow the deficit in higher-fuel conditions if balance and tyre usage improve overnight.

Ferrari works through Friday practice runs at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez — Image Credit: Pitpass

Leclerc calls McLaren “in a league of their own” on high fuel, suggesting a direct race fight is unlikely without overnight gains. Ferrari targets incremental setup steps.

“On high fuel, we were maybe a little bit better versus Red Bull, but McLaren was in a league of their own.” — Charles Leclerc

Mexico’s altitude complicates the picture. Lower air density reduces downforce and cooling, amplifying instability and braking difficulties. Teams run Monaco-level wings yet still chase grip.

Lewis Hamilton, fifth in FP2 after missing FP1, reports a sliding car and an “open” balance. Mercedes focuses on stabilizing the platform and extracting tyre performance.

Ferrari’s technical direction under review as teams optimize for Mexico’s altitude — Image Credit: Motorsport

Single-lap order points to Red Bull, with Ferrari competitive but not dominant. McLaren’s long-run strength shapes Sunday strategy, pressing rivals to protect tyres more carefully.

Verstappen’s long-run questions offer Ferrari a narrow opening if it nails balance, cooling margin, and traction. McLaren’s consistency remains the bigger race-day threat.

Leclerc ends FP2 P2, just 0.153s off Verstappen’s benchmark.

With parc fermé looming after qualifying, teams must lock in compromises. Ride control over kerbs, rear stability in yaw, and efficient cooling are central setup trades.

Ferrari and Mercedes chase refinement rather than reinvention. Both aim for a calmer rear end and predictable degradation to convert opportunity into points late in the season.

“The car was sliding around a lot. The balance is very open.” — Lewis Hamilton

Visual Summary

🥇

MCL

💨

2,200m
ALTITUDE

“We’re still
on the back foot
compared to Red Bull & McLaren.”
— Charles Leclerc

Red Bull

Verstappen fastest
Short runs

Ferrari

Leclerc: +0.153s
Finding pace

McLaren

💪

Strong
Race runs

Mercedes

Hamilton: P5
Searching grip

Altitude challenge, tiny gaps —
Ferrari & Mercedes chasing up Mexico City’s mountain, Red Bull & McLaren still ahead.
Can Leclerc and Hamilton climb high enough for Sunday?

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.