Leclerc concedes Ferrari 'struggling more than expected' after nightmare Spanish GP

Charles Leclerc has explained Ferrari's tyre management problems, which prevented him from breaking into the top ten

The Monegasque struggled with tyre degradation throughout much of the race, which ultimately prevented him from overtaking Pierre Gasly in the closing stages for a point after Yuki Tsunoda received a five-second time penalty.

Leclerc explained how the SF-23 still reacts badly to small swings in tyre temperature, which is their main limitation that they need to focus on for the races to close the gap to the front.

"I think where we really need to put all our focus is to try and be more often at the peak of our tyres and know how to manage them better," he told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"Two or three degrees makes a huge difference on balance. This weekend, we've been struggling to get completely in the [temperature] window and being happy with the car."

Leclerc: Ferrari struggling more than I expected

It is the third race Leclerc has found himself finishing outside of podium contention, after a grid drop in Monaco and lacklustre race in Miami following two crashes.

When asked whether he thought Ferrari was struggling more than he thought they would when the season started, Leclerc conceded: "To be honest we are struggling more than I expected."

Ferrari brought upgraded sidepods and floor to Barcelona, which take inspiration from the RB19.

Both drivers were happy that the upgrades gave them more confidence after testing them on Friday, but Leclerc still thinks there are areas to improve.

He added: "In the second and final stints, the feeling was more where it should be at least, so there it got a little better. But still, overall, we are lacking a lot of performance - especially in the race."