Ferrari’s strong performance in the Americas triple-header, with wins in Austin and Mexico, has revived their hopes in the championship fight. They’ve cut the gap to McLaren to 36 points, while Red Bull has fallen to third, hurt by Sergio Perez’s struggles at the front.

However, the team still has a tough road ahead to end their 16-year title drought as McLaren still has a lot to show. The race in Qatar is expected to be even harder for the Scuderia, as the track favors high-speed cornering, where their SF-24 car has struggled compared to rivals.

Charles Leclerc, who has won three races this season and sits third in the Drivers’ Championship, admits Qatar will likely be a weekend of damage control for Ferrari. The Losail International Circuit, hosting its third F1 race, will also feature the final sprint format of the year, making the challenge even tougher.

“I think Qatar on paper is probably the most difficult weekend for us in the remaining ones,” said Leclerc quoted by RacingNews365.

On the other hand, Leclerc is hopeful about Ferrari’s chances in this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix. The unique street circuit could play to the team’s strengths, offering a great opportunity to fight back and end the season on a high note. 

“I think Las Vegas should be a really good one for us and Abu Dhabi neutral.”

He added: “All in all, I come back to the point before that we really have to focus step by step.

“It’s very fine details and sometimes this can make a big difference.”

Heading from one triple-header to another, his teammate Carlos Sainz praised the progress Ferrari has made throughout out the year as the team went from a struggling force to a championship contender.