Charles Leclerc is bracing for a critical phase in the 2025 Formula 1 season, as Ferrari's anticipated "turning point" may arrive too late to salvage his championship aspirations.
Within Ferrari, the 27-year-old Monegasque has decisively outperformed his high-profile teammate, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton's struggles have been so pronounced that the 40-year-old appears disoriented and disheartened, prompting speculation of an early retirement.
A survey conducted by Swiss newspaper Blick after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with over 12,000 votes, revealed that 43 percent of respondents urged Hamilton to retire, while 28 percent believe he regrets leaving Mercedes.
As Hamilton's difficulties have intensified, Ferrari's car developments have noticeably improved Leclerc's comfort and competitiveness.
However, Leclerc trails the championship leader by 52 points, a gap he cannot afford to widen. "I can't afford to lose any more," he stressed.
According to Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ferrari remains committed to the 2025 season, with new components scheduled for the Miami Grand Prix and a significant upgrade package planned for Imola.
Further optimism surrounds the Barcelona race, the ninth round, where the FIA's stricter enforcement on wing flexibility could erode McLaren's current edge. "I think a turning point of the season will be in Barcelona," Leclerc said.
"The introduction of the new front wing can be to our advantage, I hope."
Leclerc emphasised the need to stay competitive in the interim, stating, "We must try not to waste points in this phase of the season, so that we can attack when we are ready to do so."
Former F1 driver Timo Glock predicted that Ferrari could outpace Red Bull in Miami, telling Sky Deutschland, "Red Bull will have a headache in Miami, because it's a tight track with slow corners like Bahrain. They will have the most problems of all the top teams. McLaren will be one step ahead of everyone else again."
Glock also highlighted the significance of the Miami weekend for Lando Norris, whose errors and perceived mental vulnerabilities have been scrutinised since Jeddah. With championship leader Oscar Piastri setting the pace at McLaren, Glock noted, "A win for Norris would be an important step to level the duel somewhat and deprive Piastri of the opportunity to establish a clear position of superiority. He must have Piastri under control this weekend."
