The Monegasque driver was ultimately handed by teammate Carlos Sainz, who completed third behind the Crimson Bull 1-2 of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

Regardless of being voted Driver of the Day, Leclerc dropped down to 3rd within the driver’s standings with 59 factors, 4 forward of teammate Sainz.

Verstappen leads the title race on 77 factors forward of his staff mate Perez on 64.

Leclerc could not enhance on eighth in qualifying on Saturday, and mentioned the tyre preparation earlier than a flying lap hampered his possibilities which makes the race tougher.

“As I mentioned yesterday, I used to be proud of the lap however I simply did not have sufficient grip accessible,” he informed Sky Sports activities. “That is largely coming from the observe time to get the tyres in the precise window and from that second it places us in a really troublesome state of affairs for the remainder of the weekend as a result of beginning eighth you can not do far more.

“We did a tremendous tyre technique, superb tyre administration and superb tempo nevertheless it’s simply not sufficient whenever you’re beginning eighth.

“It isn’t fairly often in my profession that I needed to give attention to qualifying days as a result of this usually is one in every of my strengths. However Australia and right here, that is the place I have been struggling so I am going to give attention to that. However usually once I work on one thing I get higher fairly rapidly, so I am assured.”

Leclerc admitted the Crimson Bull staff are “too far forward” however is optimistic Ferrari might shut the hole with some upgrades.

“For now, they’re too far forward however we’re doing a very good job of maximising the factors at the start of the season,” he mentioned. “When now we have the upgrades perhaps we’ll have the ability to problem them and that would be the second we will put them underneath extra stress and hopefully take increasingly factors from them.”

He added that his teammate Sainz is doing an important job. “Carlos has all the time been sturdy. [Last year] one race he was a little bit bit stronger, one race I used to be a little bit bit stronger. He is been two races stronger so congratulations to him, he is performed an important job.

“It’s totally clear to me the place I have to work, it is largely qualifying … I’ve little question within the race the tempo is there, it is simply that in qualifying I have to put every thing collectively.”

– Unlapped: Hearken to ESPN’s F1 podcast

Group boss Frederic Vasseur mentioned Ferrari had performed effectively to bounce again from their disappointing displaying within the ultimate follow session and qualifying.

“We had a really sturdy Sunday with a great technique and we had been in a position to come again and if we need to do a greater weekend, we’ll have to enhance the Saturdays,” Vasseur added.

“We made a great step with the automotive through the winter, even the final a part of final 12 months, however everyone’s far more assured within the staff, far more calm and we’re doing a great job collectively.”

Sainz as soon as once more delivered for Ferrari two weeks after his win on the Australian Grand Prix, claiming his third podium end in as many races this season.

The Spaniard, who missed the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix whereas recovering from appendix surgical procedure, is ready to lose his race seat to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in 2025.

“Sadly, I’ve no clue the place I will be subsequent 12 months. It’s true that we’re speaking to many groups,” Sainz mentioned.

“I simply have to go preserve targeted on what I am doing simply show to myself to everybody that once I’m given a quick automotive I am maximising what I am given.

“I ship , it has been a powerful begin… [Teams] know I am accessible. Let’s examine what occurs.”