Ferrari reduced McLaren’s lead in the battle for third place in the constructors’ championship after the United States Grand Prix to just 3.5 seconds.
Leclerc was comfortably fourth on the Circuit of the Americas, over 20 seconds ahead of Daniel Ricciardo in fifth.
The Italian manufacturer also had a clear advantage at Istanbul Park, having left McLaren behind at a pure pace in previous races in Monza and Sochi.
Ferrari unveiled its new powerplant in Russia and Leclerc believes that Ferrari’s improved shape was more due to the various upgrades than to specific routes that match the car.
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“The differences between McLaren and us are very, very small. When we installed the new engine, of course we improved a bit, but it was enough to put us in the best possible position, ”said Leclerc.
“Even though 2021 is a season where we focus on 2022, we’ve still had two or three upgrades this year that have made us get better every time.
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Carlos Sainz believes Ferrari’s upgrades kept McLaren unable to run away in third place in the championship after building a sizable lead after their 2-1 finish at Monza in September.
“I agree with Charles,” added Sainz. “It’s been super close with McLaren this year, they had the upper hand on some of the tracks and I think they will still have the upper hand on some of the tracks that are left this season, but the most important thing is that we each other better positioned thanks to the efforts at the factory and empowered us to fight until the last race.
“Maybe in Sochi and Monza you could think that they were the clear favorites until the end, now it looks like we have a good chance and will end the season strong.”
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