Charles Leclerc is increasingly being viewed as a front-runner for the 2024 world championship.

In Montreal, Red Bull consultant Dr. Helmut Marko told Kleine Zeitung that after the season's first three races, it appeared Max Verstappen would easily clinch another championship victory.

However, following Leclerc's victory from pole in Monaco and Red Bull experiencing chronic handling issues, Marko now views the Ferrari driver with a sense of unease.

"He has definitely made an incredible step forward and has great self-confidence," Marko observed, noting that Leclerc's Ferrari is now "universally fast on all tracks."

McLaren's Lando Norris also hinted at Leclerc being the favorite this weekend in Montreal.

"They always say that," Leclerc chuckled, "whether it's Helmut Marko or Lando. But nobody wants to hear that they're the favorite, so I'll never say that," he asserted.

Leclerc did acknowledge that Ferrari has "improved more than anyone in the last seven or eight months," and he accepts that, theoretically, Verstappen and Red Bull are now vulnerable.

The 26-year-old further stated: "We have to take every opportunity and the same approach, but I'm not thinking about the championship. I'm thinking about winning races at every grand prix and keep improving."

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella concurred in Montreal: "I do agree with Charles that Ferrari is in the quest to become world champion on both championships." body check tags ::