Charles Leclerc conceded it will be "extremely difficult" to reel in Max Verstappen despite his previously defiant attitude towards the Formula 1 title race.
The points difference between them is now almost into three figures with eight races to go this season. While mathematically not out of the running, it would take an incredible set of results for Leclerc or anybody else to catch the Dutchman.
As recently as during the summer break, Leclerc was adamant he was still in with a shot, even if it was getting "more and more difficult". But just one race later, it seems he has changed his attitude towards the situation.
After another underwhelming result at the Belgian Grand Prix, and head of Verstappen's home race at Zandvoort, the Ferrari star knows that it will be almost impossible for him to close the gap with so few race weekends remaining in 2022.
"I don't know how many points there are between Max and I – I stopped counting but it's a lot of points," he said. "We will take it race by race, see what's possible, and if there's a good surprise at the end of the year, good.
"But, obviously, looking at things the way they are now, realistically it's extremely difficult to make it work."
Leclerc still insists there is something to fight for in the other title race though, with Ferrari 118 points adrift of Red Bull. He added: "But there is still plenty to fight for, for the constructors' championship, for second place in the championship. In general, I'll be pushing until the end.
"We have some ideas of what happened at Spa, but here in the Netherlands it will be totally different. It is important in terms of 2023, but especially for this year to get back close to Red Bull and win. Let's start by wanting to win here in Max's home, then in Monza. We have to end this season in the best possible way thinking race by race."
Leclerc may be helped by a far-from-ideal start to Verstappen's weekend at Zandvoort. He completed just one lap in FP1 before suffering a gearbox issue. It is not expected to affect qualifying or the race, but the lack of track time on Friday will not be ideal preparation for the home favourite.
