Leclerc Takes P3, Ferrari Back to P2 in Constructors’ After Scorching Austrian Grand Prix

Under the blazing Austrian sun, Charles Leclerc clinched a well-earned P3 finish in a strategic and solid drive at the Austrian Grand Prix, while Lewis Hamilton followed closely in P4, marking a strong points haul for Scuderia Ferrari HP. The team now jumps back into second place in the Constructors’ Championship—by the slimmest of margins.

Hot Track, Hot Pace

With air temperatures at 31°C and the track heating up to a scorching 48°C, tyre degradation was a major factor throughout the race. Both Leclerc and Hamilton executed a two-stop strategy, starting on Mediums, switching to Hards mid-race, and returning to Mediums for the final push. It was a clean, efficient performance from both drivers, who extracted everything they could on a day where raw pace wasn’t quite enough to challenge the McLarens up front.

A Delayed Start and Early Drama

The race began with drama even before the lights went out. The initial start was aborted after Carlos Sainz was unable to leave the grid during the formation lap, causing a 15-minute delay. Once the race finally got underway, a Lap 1 collision between Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen brought out the Safety Car.

When racing resumed, Leclerc—starting from P2—lost a position to Oscar Piastri at Turn 1 after trying to close the door on Lando Norris, which left just enough room for the Australian to sneak through. From there, the Monegasque settled into P3 and maintained a strong pace, finishing the 70-lap race in 1:24’07.513, just 19.820s behind the winner.

Hamilton, running a nearly identical strategy, finished fourth in 1:24’16.713, logging the faster fastest lap between the two Ferrari drivers with a 1:08.628 on Lap 53. Leclerc’s best was close behind at 1:08.765 on Lap 56.

Leclerc: “We Gave It Everything”

Reflecting on his race, Leclerc remained optimistic:

“I rate our weekend really well. We brought some upgrades that helped close the gap to McLaren, even if they were just faster today. I went a bit aggressive into Turn 1, which cost me a spot, but no regrets—we gave it everything. We’ll keep working hard to get back on that top step of the podium. That’s the goal, and the team deserves it.”

Hamilton: “Solid Points, Solid Progress”

Hamilton echoed the positive tone:

“It’s been a solid weekend. Quali pace was strong, and while we didn’t have the race pace we hoped for, it’s still a good result. We’ll dig into the data and keep working. Thanks to everyone in the garage and at the factory—we’re moving in the right direction, and I’m really looking forward to my first home race with Ferrari.”

d’Ambrosio Steps Up as Vasseur Misses Out

With Team Principal Fred Vasseur away due to personal reasons, Deputy Team Principal Jérôme d’Ambrosio stepped into the leadership role. According to d’Ambrosio, the team didn’t miss a beat:

“Fred always says a clean weekend is key—and that’s what we had. Both drivers ran a solid race, and while the gap to McLaren is still there, we’re chipping away at it. It was a straightforward race from our side, and the whole team operated flawlessly.”

The Stats: Austrian GP 2025 – Ferrari Recap

As the F1 circus heads toward Hamilton’s much-anticipated home race at Silverstone—his first in Ferrari red—the team will look to build on its current momentum, aiming to turn consistency into race-winning pace.

Ferrari is back in P2 in the championship, the fight is heating up, and the red cars are very much in the mix.