Charles Leclerc admits Ferrari have been studying F1 rivals ahead of Qatar GP

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Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has admitted that his team have been studying Mercedes ahead of next weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix.

Leclerc was speaking to Sky Sports F1 with the race to finish behind Red Bull heating up.

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez wrapped up the Constructors’ Championship in Japan last weekend.

In reality, they’ve known for a long time they were going to win the title given their complete domination of Formula 1 this year.

Verstappen should also win his third successive title next weekend, requiring just a few more points to defeat his Mexican teammate.

However, behind Red Bull, four teams will have their eye on being the best of the rest.

After such a strong start, Aston Martin have fallen away, with Lance Stroll unable to match the success of teammate Fernando Alonso.

McLaren have improved incredibly quickly, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri recording a double podium at Suzuka, although they likely have too big a gap to close to finish second.

However, Leclerc thinks his team have learnt a lot from rivals Mercedes that could give them an advantage in Qatar.

It’s a track that should suit McLaren, but Ferrari will hope their positive results over the past two weekends can give them the upper hand.

Leclerc admits learning from Mercedes before Qatar GP

Speaking ahead of the race, Leclerc said: “Mercedes are strong, especially in the races. In Japan, they put us under a bit of pressure at the end by splitting the cars.

“In qualifying, it’s a bit more inconsistent, so it’s going to be a very close fight.

“We are a bit more inconsistent in the race, they are a bit more inconsistent in qualifying.

“But, I have a feeling inside me that we have learned a few things in the last weekend that will hopefully give us the upper hand for the rest of the season.”

McLaren and Aston Martin are likely too far back at this stage in the season to finish behind Red Bull.

Norris has even taken a sly dig at one of his Aston Martin rivals as they close in on fourth place in the championship.

Leclerc will hope Ferrari can catch up the 20-point advantage Mercedes currently have over them in Qatar.

Saturday’s Sprint Race isn’t worth too many points but gives the Ferraris an extra opportunity to get one over their rivals on a track that could really suit them.