One thing is clear. Whenever someone is on the long road of misery, God wants him to learn an important lesson or two. And undoubtedly over the year, Charles Leclerc seems to have brought a sense of calm in his demeanor. The Ferrari driver nearly beat Max Verstappen‘s time with a Masterclass single-lap pace last night at the Red Bull ring, however in the end it’s a P2 that has come Leclerc’s way. The 25-year-old now is waiting to destroy the reigning champion in tandem with his teammate on one condition.

Last year on the same track, Charles Leclerc overcame mechanical troubles and defeated Max Verstappen to win. While talking about this year, Ferrari now appears to be on the right track after going through some of the most miserable days. The Monegasque stunned the fans and the opposition with the speed of the improved SF-23 in a last-minute move at the Red Bull Ring.

Q: sunday, 2 vs 1. is it possible?

🆑: “ehhh, we’ll try. we don’t have to hide that our race pace is that and RBR is stronger.

but i’ll do anything and if max leaves me an opportunity… (smiles) i will try, then we’ll see.” #austrianGP

— leclerc data (@leclercdata) June 30, 2023

With 195 points and a commanding lead in the driver standings, Verstappen is currently on course to win his third consecutive championship. However, as the season progresses, Red Bull’s competitors have been relentlessly attempting to demolish Verstappen on the racetrack. Helmut Marko has already alerted the Dutchman by mentioning two drivers that might pose a threat to him, alongside mentioning Ferrari as a threat to the Milton Keynes side in Austria.

In the midst of this, even though Red Bull appears to be stronger, Leclerc vows to defeat Verstappen but with one condition. As everyone is aware that Ferrari’s race pace has been the issue in the season so far given their tire wear issue, the Monegasque says that he will be attacking Verstappen if the Dutchman leaves him any opportunity. In a tweet surfacing the internet, given both Leclerc and Carlos Sainz being in the top three, the Monegasque was queried, “Sunday, 2 vs 1. Is it possible?”

To that, the 25-year-old responded, “Ehhh, we’ll try. we don’t have to hide that our race pace and RBR is stronger. But I’ll do anything and if Max leaves me an opportunity. I will try, then we’ll see.”

At the Austrian Grand Prix, Ferrari brought some fairly significant changes and with those modifications, the Scuderia possibly only achieved a top-three result, which they actually did. Leclerc, however, notes that it will be a specific area where the emphasis must be focused otherwise the spot may be missed.

What specific factor has Charles Leclerc emphasized to maintain the Ferrari duo’s top-three position at the Red Bull Ring?

Both Ferraris displayed good race pace to rebound from a weak qualifying performance two weeks ago in Canada, leading to a significant points haul. However, to pose a threat to Max Verstappen’s hegemony, the Prancing Horse came with some major upgrades at the Austrian GP that includes, a new rear wing, updated front wing vanity panel and endplate, new diverters, and new barge boards.

Furthermore, despite placing in the top three in the Grand Prix’s qualifying, the Scuderia still appears to be in control of their nerves before making any celebration, but why? It is due because the Ferrari team may once again endure misery due to the SF23’s high level of unpredictability. So to tackle that, Leclerc mentioned a specific area to keep their focus.

While talking to Skysports, the Monegasque said, “Red Bull right now is quicker on race pace so it will be difficult but if we can put them in difficulty we will do it all.” Later he highlighted, “Consistency is where we need to focus so we will have to see on Sunday if we have the same pace as Montreal.”

WATCH THIS STORY: What has become an Incessant Problem for Charles Leclerc & Carlos Sainz in Ferrari’s F1 Challenger?

Do you believe the weather and the Ferrari team’s expertise will be sufficient to quench Max Verstappen’s raging storm?