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Ferrari cut it for this weekend in hopes of getting better results than the previous two points-free races as their low downforce packages didn’t play well at Spa and Monza.
While his teammate Sebastian Vettel was already eliminated in Q2 and only finished 14th, Leclerc managed to make it all the way to Q3, where he reached fifth place thanks to his last lap.
Although Leclerc benefited from the yellow flag flying behind him, leaving many of his rivals unable to improve, the Monaco driver was still happy with the final result.
“I am very happy with my nails in general. I put it all together and fifth place was definitely more than we expected. So I’m very, very happy. “
“Monza and Spa was especially difficult for the whole team. I suffered seriously driving the car with low downforce, the balance was not in place either. Here, however, I managed to get the balance in place and had a great time in the car. Overall performance is lacking compared to the ones in front of us, but the car was good today. “
“It gave me confidence and I was able to nail it all on my timer. However, it was difficult because I was still on the set of old tires in my first race in Q3. Changing from old to old was a challenge, but it was resolved. “
Ferrari is celebrating its 1000th Grand Prix this weekend at Mugello, but Leclerc felt his team had a hard time staying this far ahead in qualifying after seeing the long stages behind them.
Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari SF1000
Photo by Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
“We may have a good chance. On the other hand, if we look at the Friday race simulations of the other teams, there are quite a few cars that were stronger than us at the time. It will be difficult to keep them behind us, but that is my business in the car and I will give it my all. “
Vettel was less optimistic about Ferrari’s chances after failing to get into Q3 even consecutively in race five, explaining that he had problems with his car all afternoon.
“It is quite combative, but it was like that all year. However, we will do our best to understand the car a little better. In terms of leadership, I do my best to adapt, but there is still something to be done, ”concluded Vettel.
This is how Leclerc turned with Ferrari at Le Mans
