P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Charles Leclerc has admitted he was “surprised” at how his Ferrari car “came alive” to propel him to an eventual third place in the F1 Saudi Arabian GP.
“Leclerc successfully held off Lando Norris to finish third in Jeddah, ending Ferrari’s long podium drought in 2025. He took the lead on Lap 22 after the cars ahead pitted, benefiting from clean air to improve his lap times. Leclerc praised his car’s performance in free air after struggling with balance behind George Russell. Ferrari’s decision to extend the Medium compound stint paid off, allowing Leclerc to pass Russell for third place. Although Norris challenged him towards the end, Leclerc secured the podium finish with a slim margin. Looking ahead, Leclerc acknowledged Ferrari’s need to improve qualifying performance to contend for race wins.”
