"We're a bit better in the race": Charles Leclerc's reaction after qualifying

After a strong qualifying session, Charles Leclerc will start from the second row after setting the fourth-fastest time. The Monegasque driver, who for a long time looked capable of securing pole position, reflects on a final lap that was imperfect but instructive, and is already looking ahead to a race where Ferrari hopes to capitalize on its strong starts.

Charles Leclerc stepped out of his car with mixed feelings. Fourth on the grid, the Ferrari driver will start from the second row, alongside Oscar Piastri, after a qualifying session where pole position seemed, for a time, within reach.

During his final attempt in Q3, the Monegasque driver experienced a slight slide in the famous Spoon corner. An apparent mistake, but not necessarily a costly one, in his view.

“Even with the slide at the Spoon, it was the best run through turns 8 and 9 that I've ever done,” he told Canal+. “I don't think I could replicate it. But it was only by taking that line that I was able to carry so much speed. If it looks like a mistake, it actually turned out to be quite beneficial.”

Despite this partial satisfaction, Leclerc highlights a problem that complicates things at Ferrari: a loss of performance between runs, particularly noticeable on the straights. This phenomenon frustrates the driver, especially in the tight competition of qualifying.

“What's more troubling is the performance we lose from one run to the next. On the straights, with how we're driving. In Q3 on my final run, I tried to push a little harder. It worked, but unfortunately we lose about a tenth, just on the straights, and that's very frustrating. That's the game with these new regulations, and I'm not getting used to it.”

The Start: Ferrari's Weapon

Still, Ferrari has a major card to play at the start, an area where the Scuderia has so far proven formidable this season. That suggests a first opportunity as soon as the lights go out.

“We have a car that's pretty good off the line, but we'll have to see. I still think that as time goes on, it'll get tighter and tighter and we'll have less of that advantage. That said, I hope we can hold onto it for as long as possible and that tomorrow we can gain a few positions, which would put us in a very different position after the first corner.”

Leclerc remains realistic about the current pecking order, however. “If that's not the case, I know we're a bit better in the race, especially compared to McLaren. Mercedes is even better.”

Fourth on the grid but confident in his Ferrari's pace over the long run, the Monegasque driver knows the race could reshuffle the deck. Provided, perhaps, that he nails the start he hopes will be decisive.