Looking ahead to qualifying, Leclerc anticipates a big challenge.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/08\/6961695f-327e-48d9-9fdc-13e8a5eed6d3-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Leclerc: Ferrari given “wake-up call” in The Netherlands<\/h2>\n
On paper, Ferrari might have hoped for a stronger start to their Dutch GP weekend.<\/p>\n
Zandvoort shares some characteristics with the Hungaroring, a track where – at least in qualifying – Leclerc was electric.<\/p>\n
Of course, Leclerc’s dramatic fall on race day might suggest his Pole Position was more due to Ferrari pushing the limit with plank wear – as opposed to raw pace.<\/p>\n
The first day of running in Zandvoort seemingly confirmed this, with both Ferrari drivers well off the pace.<\/p>\n
Although there were plenty of interruptions in Friday Practice, Hamilton<\/a> and Leclerc never found their feet.<\/p>\n Ferrari were a few steps away from McLaren and Aston Martin<\/a>, whilst Red Bull and Mercedes were also slightly ahead.<\/p>\n Tsunoda’s new floor<\/a> could make him a more consistent threat at the front, and thus further complicate things for Ferrari.<\/p>\n In the face of the team’s early difficulties, Leclerc remains hopeful there is lap-time to find.<\/p>\n The question is if there is enough potential in the car to meaningfully progress:<\/p>\n “I would sum it up as a very, very, very very difficult Friday.<\/em><\/p>\n “Probably the worst Friday of the season, which is right after the holidays, so it’s a little bit of a wake-up call.<\/em><\/p>\n “But it’s OK, I mean, we’ve had some difficult Fridays.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n “Not it’s up to us to turn the situation around, but for sure it’s not been an easy day.<\/em><\/p>\n “FP1 was extremely difficult, FP2 was slightly better but still far off where we want to be.<\/em><\/p>\n “I don’t expect to fully return the situation, because I think McLaren is in a league of its own with Aston Martin…<\/em><\/p>\n “We’ll try and improve the car, there is plenty to be done anyway.”<\/em><\/p>\n Some good news for Ferrari is that, at least for now, the midfield looks less competitive than in previous events.<\/p>\n Zandvoort, though predominantly a lower speed circuit, demands a very complete package.<\/p>\n With some medium and high-speed corners present, in addition to notable curves presenting demands on the suspension, there is nowhere to hide.<\/p>\n This means that teams which excel in specific layouts will inevitably have their weaknesses exposed in The Netherlands.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/08\/cb41d623-9189-40d8-9ee1-b24b5b66234c-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\nStill something to fight for in Zandvoort<\/h4>\n