Leclerc realistic: "We are going to suffer on the straight"

Ever since the winter test it has been clear that Ferrari have fallen behind the leaders and even some of the midfield. This weekend Formula 1 arrives at Spa, where top speed is an important factor. Charles Leclerc does not expect an easy weekend, despite the fact he won the Belgian Grand Prix last year.

"We cannot expect to match last year. It's really going to be a lot harder," Leclerc explained to Motorsport.com. "We knew from the start of the season that it was going to be a lot harder for us. It's still unclear where we stand now, but it's going to be a lot of pushing again."

Ferrari are clearly looking for solutions and one of those possible solutions was to drive with very little downforce, to compensate for the top speed. However, this solution will not work on the Belgian circuit, according to Leclerc. "This is by nature already a circuit where we drive with very little downforce.

"It is the same for everyone, but we will simply suffer more in the first and last sector. The second sector is still very important for a good lap time, so hopefully we can make up enough time there. This track is great and I really hope we can show something this weekend."