F1 News
Leclerc’s and Perez’s prediction for Sunday after Verstappen’s grid-penalty
Max Verstappen was the fastest driver in qualifying, but the Dutchman has a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race, and as a result, Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez will start from the first row of the grid. Both drivers commented on their chances, given that the defending champion will start from P6.
Leclerc not confident
Charles Leclerc did not only comment on Verstappen, but he thinks Perez is also a threat. "[I am] not confident. Especially with the two Red Bull guys right behind. I think they've got a much better race car than we have. So, I mean, it's great to be starting first."
He continued: “I think it gives us a good chance to have a great result. But to say that will target the win, I think is probably a bit too optimistic if there's an opportunity for whatever reason. As always, I'll try and get it. But, I believe it's going to be to keep those guys behind.”
Perez thinks 'anything can happen'
Perez was asked about what he thinks about his teammate’s chances, but he chose to only speak about himself. "Well, I will try my best. I will try to get Charles at the start, which is always hard. But, I think it's also a long race high degredation so anything can happen on Sunday."
"We certainly have a good position. It doesn't matter as long as I get him and that will be my target. But, I think tomorrow we got a very busy day so it feels like Sunday. It's miles away now," the Mexican driver added.