Leclerc Reflects on Qualifying Struggles in 2025
Charles Leclerc has always been known for his exceptional qualifying performances in Formula 1. However, he has expressed dissatisfaction with his qualifying results in the 2025 season, stating, “I’m not doing the job.”
Strong Yet Underwhelming Comparisons
Despite his strong qualifying results this season relative to teammate Lewis Hamilton, including a 9-5 lead across 14 sessions and an average time advantage of 0.133 seconds, Leclerc believes his performance could be significantly better. While his record against a driver known for having the most pole positions in F1 history is commendable, he remains self-critical.
Feeling the Pressure in Qualifying
Leclerc commented, “Since the beginning of the season, I’ve been performing very well in the races… Unfortunately, when it comes to qualifying, which used to be my strength, many sessions leave me wishing I could go back and change my approach.” He acknowledges that while they have had satisfactory qualifying sessions, they haven’t reached the level of excellence he aims for.
Unexplained Challenges
A persistent issue, referred to as a “mysterious problem,” has been adversely affecting their performance, especially in Q3. While it likely relates to energy management and temperature buildup in the car’s power unit, Leclerc insists that this does not excuse his own struggles in maximizing the car’s performance during qualifying.
Recent Performances Indicate Consistency Without Brilliance
The recent Silverstone qualifying highlighted this inconsistency, where Leclerc’s final Q3 run mirrored his Q2 best, resulting in evident frustration. His performance trends have been similar throughout the season, with near-misses in Austria and Canada, where external factors and inadequate tyre management hindered his pace.
General Trends but Lack of Classic Performances
Throughout the season, there has been no standout qualifying performance from Leclerc akin to his past brilliance. While he has not performed poorly, his single-lap magic appears to be lacking, with his qualifying results not reflecting the exceptional driver he is known to be.
Looking Ahead: Potential Solutions
Leclerc noted that early in the season, he worked on an “extreme” car setup to address chronic understeer, improving race performance but complicating qualifying. With upgrades to the rear suspension expected to debut at the upcoming Spa event, there is hope that these changes could enhance both the car’s balance and Leclerc’s qualifying potential, allowing him to reclaim the standout laps characteristic of his career.
