Why Leclerc senses ‘good opportunity’ for Ferrari in Miami

Charles Leclerc has offered Ferrari a boost ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, insisting it is a “good opportunity” to challenge Red Bull for a victory.

Max Verstappen continued his 100 per cent record of pole position success in 2024 on Saturday around the Miami International Autodrome.

However, the Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will start directly behind him in second and third respectively.

Ferrari has already secured one race win this year with Sainz taking to the top step of the podium at the Australian Grand Prix.

The Italian squad struggled for form last time out in China as it failed to make an impact towards the front of the field.

When asked why he appears buoyant over his chances in Miami after its difficult round in China, Leclerc told media including RacingNews365: “Just the sprint race we were a little bit closer to what we normally see.

“However I also said that Max wasn’t really happy with his car this morning in the Sprint race.

“So we need to see how much of a step forward he does tomorrow, being happier with the car.”

With parc ferme conditions opened after the shorter sprint race, Leclerc praised the step forward Ferrari made with its set-up, which he hopes will see it pressure Red Bull during the race.

“We did some fine tuning on our side,” he said. “We’re also confident we did a step forward. so we’ll see.

“But if we have a similar pace like we’ve seen this morning then I think with strategy you can always put a bit more a bit more pressure.

“I hope that is the case. We’ve got the two cars in the front, so it’s a good opportunity.”

The second Red Bull car of Sergio Perez will start from fourth on the grid, behind the Ferrari pair.