Charles Leclerc Faces Three Critical Grands Prix

Charles Leclerc has been warned that the next three grands prix will be crucial if he is to maintain momentum on his side of the Ferrari garage, following a difficult run compared to team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

Former Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok believes Leclerc has endured several disappointing weekends. Hamilton, meanwhile, secured his first Ferrari victory in Barcelona, while Leclerc crashed during the last two race weekends.

"Monaco was a massive disappointment for him."

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"He was there with Lewis, but then complained of brake issues all weekend long, had a crash, then had this crash in qualifying in Barcelona, again his own mistake."

Chandhok also pointed to Leclerc's mistake at Turn 4 in Barcelona, explaining that the Monegasque took a slightly shallower line than on his previous laps, sending the car onto the dusty part of the circuit before losing control. Despite the incidents, Chandhok insisted Leclerc still had the pace to fight at the front.

Hamilton currently holds a 40-point advantage over Leclerc in the drivers' championship and has emerged as Ferrari's leading contender following his Barcelona victory. Chandhok believes the next three race weekends leading into the summer break will be decisive if Leclerc is to avoid losing momentum within the team.

"This is where Charles has got to try and just get a bit more control of his own season."

"We're at a phase where we're counting down to the summer break. We're going to be here, we're in Silverstone for the British Grand Prix next weekend, and then Spa. These three weekends are critical for Charles not to lose the internal team momentum."