Leclerc starts from the second row: ‘This went a bit in my direction’

F1 News

Charles Leclerc interview Qualifying British Grand Prix 2023
8 July 2023 at 18:15
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  • Kada Sarkozi
  • Editor

Since the Monaco Grand Prix, qualifying was not one of Charles Leclerc’s strongest qualities, as he has only made it to the final session once in Austria. In Silverstone, the Ferrari driver improved, finished fourth, and looks forward to fighting for the podium on Sunday.

"I've been waiting a few weeks for that because I knew that this was one of my weaknesses and today I felt like by changing a few things in terms of tools and driving style, this went a bit in my direction and that was a step forward," Charles Leclerc told GPblog among others.

"In Q3 I maybe did not expect for the sun to go out that much. I went a bit aggressive with the front wing and I lost the rear in some corners and that cost me quite a bit. It's a shame because I think the front row was possible but it's great to see both McLaren [guys] in front and I think this should be exciting for tomorrow's race," the Monegasque driver summarised his performance.

Fighting for the podium

Finishing in P4 means that Leclerc will have a good shot at getting a podium in Silverstone. "Yes, but I think in the last few races we've had quite a bit of surprises. Today it's McLaren with the quali pace but I wouldn't be surprised if Mercedes is extremely strong tomorrow. They've had a very, very good race pace yesterday so I'm sure they will be very strong tomorrow."

He added: "Well, for me I'm going a bit into the unknown as I haven't done FP2 so it will be difficult to judge for now."

On overtaking Lando Norris, Leclerc said: "Of course it's going to be tricky. Lando is always aggressive in defending but I will be as aggressive to try and pass him and let's see."

Incident with Sainz during Q2

The two Ferrari drivers had a bit of misunderstanding in Q2 when existing the pit lane. "We have one race where I have the priority to choose whether I want to be in front or behind and one race Carlos has the priority to choose whether he wants to be in front or behind. I had the choice here and I decided to be in front. Then at the end we were very tight on timing and I think it was very difficult for us to know whether we were going to get past or not before the flag and Carlos decided to overtake which is not ideal."

"Yes, I think Carlos will understand," Leclerc concluded.