Leclerc offers assessment of 'difficult' Ferrari 2023

Charles Leclerc has branded his 2023 season as "disappointing"after Ferrari failed to deliver on their promise with the SF-23.The car was anticipated to fix most of the problems theyencountered with their 2022 challenger, but it proved to beunpredictable for the drivers at high speed and tough to drive inthe races. This meant neither Leclerc or teammate Carlos Sainzcould mount a credible title challenge, in stark contrast to theMonogasque's start to last year when he won three of the first fourraces. Reflecting on his season, Leclerc told media, includingRacingNews365 : "To be honest it's been a disappointing season."After last year, we expected to come to this season and try andfight for the championship which after the first race. "Westraightaway understood how difficult it will be compared to theRed Bull that had done a huge step forward, especially in racepace. We didn't do the same step. So from that moment onwards, itwas a bit disappointing." Leclerc: Big gap to fill to Red BullLeclerc believes there will be a "big gap to fill" to get backfighting with Red Bull up front, having lost out to Mercedes in thebattle for second in the Constructors' Championship this year. "Onthe other hand, if you just look at this season – forget about lastseason – I think we've progressed quite a lot throughout the seasonwhich is positive and makes me confident for the future," saidLeclerc. "But there's a big gap to fill to get back the Red Bull'sso we'll work hard during the winter break and hopefully we'll comeback stronger next year with a car that is capable of winning."