There was a time when Mercedes and Ferrari fought tooth-and-nail for race wins and podium finishes. In recent times, the competitive gap has only grown apart between the two teams.

However, achieving the objectives one set for themselves is important. From that perspective, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished just a few seconds behind Max Verstappen, to take home a P4 finish.

Following that performance, the Mercedes social media admin took to Instagram and congratulated Leclerc. Although they are largely on banter mode with their activity, this one seemed genuine from their end.

Mercedes appreciates Charles Leclerc’s ‘classy touch’

It was definitely a drive to remember for Leclerc, considering the team’s overall performance this season. Finishing P4 also gave a good points boost to Ferrari’s hopes of finishing well in the Constructors’ standings.

Responding to a post about Leclerc from F1’s official Instagram account, Mercedes’ handle commented, “Classy touch from @charles_leclerc. Man is driving the wheels off that Ferrari.”

Mercedes continued their merry winning streak, with both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas securing first and second, respectively. The former has been the subject of headlines, having created history by winning 92 races – more than any other driver.

However, there were a lot of positives for Ferrari at Portimao, ahead of next season. Their planned upgrades have performed to initial expectations and will hope this continues for the 2021 season as well.

Charles Leclerc will only get better with the passage of time

The fact that the Monegasque driver has been performing and fighting right up there with the big boys, is only a testament to Leclerc’s ability. It is hard to believe that he only recently turned 23 and has a bright future ahead of him.

Ferrari are not used to the situation they are currently in. A team with a great history, they would prefer being at the front of the grid. It is where winning is a mentality, more than an option.

However, hope and optimism are all that the ‘Scuderia’ can take from this season because sitting in 6th position and fighting with AlphaTauri does not suit their stature. The team will hope that Charles Leclerc is the man that drives them forward, to get back to winning ways.