The 24-year-old said he believed his team, who impressed in testing, were “still a bit behind Red Bull”. But he said he was optimistic Ferrari could challenge more closely at the front after two difficult seasons. “I don’t think we are speaking about being a second (behind) like it was last year,” Leclerc said. Leclerc added that there was a positive feeling at Ferrari before the new season. “We don’t get carried away for now – as I said it’s only testing. Team-mate Carlos Sainz said he was trying to avoid putting any expectations on Ferrari’s performance before the weekend. “You still don’t want to believe it completely,” Sainz said.

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