Ferrari ‘weaknesses’ revealed in Saudi Red Bull battle

Charles Leclerc has said the “weaknesses” in his Ferrari were visible when he diced for the lead with Max Verstappen in Jeddah.

The two duelled for victory towards the end of an absorbing race, with Verstappen eventually using the advantage of DRS to pass the Monegasque driver.

Leclerc stayed within DRS range of the World Champion for the remaining laps but could not close in to try and overtake his rival, who then went on to win the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Both drivers tried to ensure they had DRS for the start-finish straight, with the advantage gained after Turn 27 being such that the lead of the race hinged upon it.

Leclerc kept the lead for several laps as they duelled, but admitted Verstappen understood his “mind games” and eventually made the decisive move in the latter stages.

Has anyone ever seen #F1 drivers playing a game of chicken to see who goes first around a corner?

Us neither.

[via @F1]pic.twitter.com/po5HDOcvhA

— PlanetF1 (@Planet_F1) March 28, 2022

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The Ferrari appeared to have the measure of the Red Bull for most of the race, but once Verstappen had managed to get within a second of Leclerc in front, that is where he thinks the F1-75’s shortcomings were highlighted.

“I think the point where we struggled most