After a positive 2024 season in which Ferrari nearly won the constructors’ championship, hopes in Maranello were that the Scuderia would challenge again and take top honours. However, this season, Ferrari has faltered and not been close to fighting with McLaren. Charles Leclerc is yet to win a race this season, while Lewis Hamilton hasn’t stood on the podium yet in scarlett red.
Earlier this season, Leclerc admitted that Singapore was one of three races that Ferrari could win. However, Baku was another, and the Italian team lacked pace compared to their rivals. Now, the Monégasque has admitted that Ferrari is unlikely to challenge runaway leaders McLaren this season.
Charles Leclerc says McLaren is too quick for Ferrari
The Prancing Horse produced a competitive car last season, with Charles Leclerc taking three victories. However, the SF-25 has largely been far behind last season’s rivals, McLaren, this term. The 27-year-old believes that this season, the car is too far behind the MCL39 to challenge.
Speaking to the media in Singapore, Lerclerc conceded, “Compared to McLaren, I don’t think we’ll ever have the upper hand. It is quite unlikely [Ferrari will win this year].
Charles Leclerc Makes Brutal Admission on Ferrari’s Chances of Winning in 2025
However, the eight-time grand prix winners offered some hope to the Tifosi, saying, “But never say never. Maybe a chance would be Vegas, when things are so strange with tyre management in this race.”
Ferrari will now look to the 2026 season, where a new regulation cycle is due to begin. They are trying out parts they can carry over into the next season to get a handle on their new challenger, as they look to put the disappointment of this season behind them.
Where does Ferrari stack up in Singapore?
Ferrari is hoping to bounce back after a disappointing Azerbaijan GP, where they only managed to take six points. The Scuderia have had strong showings at Singapore in the past, but will do well to challenge for the podium this time around.
The first practice session was positive for the Prancing Horse, with both drivers looking competitive. Charles Leclerc put his SF-25 in P2, a tenth behind surprise pace setter Fernando Alonso. Lewis Hamilton also put in a strong showing, crossing the line in P4, two-tenths behind his teammate.
This doesn’t happen often! 😮
Here is how Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris ended up colliding in the pit lane in FP2 💥#F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/nDhYpT8fsX
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 3, 2025
However, FP2 painted a different picture. Ferrari’s morning pace seemed to disappear as they finished the session in the lower regions of the top 10. Leclerc was the lead Ferrari in P9, seven-tenths behind Oscar Piastri. Hamilton was only 0.025 behind his teammate down in P10.
The good news for Ferrari is that this is only practice. Pace can be misleading as teams run their own programmes and can even sandbag, not revealing their true pace. The Tifosi will hope this is the case as the Italian giants look to end a poor 2025 season on a high.
