Ferrari faces a tough challenge at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, needing to close a 21-point gap to McLaren in order to clinch the Constructors’ Championship title.

However, hopes of pulling off this comeback took a big hit after Charles Leclerc’s difficult qualifying session and McLaren’s strong performance.

Leclerc’s problems began in Q2 when his fastest lap was deleted for a track limits violation, leaving him out of qualifying early. On top of that, a 10-place grid penalty for a new battery means he will start at the back of the grid.

Carlos Sainz, meanwhile, starts from third on the grid, offering some hope for Ferrari. But with McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri starting from the front row, the Scuderia’s chances of winning their first Constructors’ title since 2008 look slim. 

Even with the odds stacked against them, Leclerc refuses to give up. He believes in the possibility of a miracle and is determined to fight through the field on race day.

“I believe in miracles,” he said confidently.

“Sometimes again, it makes our life very difficult, that's for sure.

“With the 10-place grid penalty, it was always going to be difficult, but I see an opportunity to do something very special, and I'll do my best to do it. And I'll believe in it until the very last lap – everything can happen.”

Leclerc admitted that going wide at Turn 1 in Q2 cost him a chance at the top-10 shootout, calling the error tough but ultimately his own fault. While disappointed, he acknowledged McLaren’s strength, saying he likely couldn’t have challenged their front-row dominance.

“It was either P15 or P20 and P15 is better than P20. But if I get my laptime deleted it means we start from P20. 

“We are not making our life any easier. However, it motivates me to do something very special tomorrow. 

“My goal remains the same: it’s to win the Constructors’ Championship and I still believe in it as much as I did yesterday, even though on paper obviously it’s going to be hard.”

Ferrari will need a strong drive from both drivers to end their season on a high note, even if the title seems out of reach.