Charles Leclerc confessed Ferrari was “back to reality” after Lando Norris earned the Sprint pole at the Qatar Grand Prix. This boosted McLaren’s chances of retaining their Constructors’ Championship lead. Ferrari’s recent excellent form has brought them to within 24 points of McLaren at the top of the standings with two rounds remaining. But forecasts that the Lusail International Circuit would suit the leaders proved correct on Friday.
Leclerc dominated first practice, but Norris claimed the Sprint pole ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell. Oscar Piastri of McLaren finished third ahead of the Monegasque and his teammate Carlos Sainz. After poor results in Brazil and Las Vegas. It saw Norris’ title aspirations dashed by Max Verstappen, the Brit acknowledged he was relieved to bounce back in Qatar. Leclerc believes that this was more typical of Ferrari’s true pace.
Although he was upset that he was unable to capitalise on the momentum generated by a strong practice session. With two Grands Prix remaining, one of which is a sprint, McLaren can secure the title by outperforming Ferrari in both the sprint and the Grand Prix on Sunday. Sainz admitted that he tries to avoid pinning his hopes on FP1 results. The Spanish driver revealed why he was only able to complete one lap.
Charles Leclerc dismisses Ferrari’s optimism
After the final practice, he added that he was dealing with car balance, particularly understeer, and couldn’t take too many risks on the kerbs. The Spaniard mentioned Ferrari’s fear that its opponents would turn the tables on the Scuderia in Sprint Qualifying, which is exactly what transpired, with two McLarens and one Mercedes pipping the crimson red engines. Verstappen, the newly crowned world champion, finished sixth.
Leclerc said, “It’s not good because when you give it all and we are only P4 and P5, it’s not great considering how important this weekend is for us. But let’s say that for whatever reason FP1 was a lot above our expectations. This [sprint qualifying] I’ll say is in line with what we expected, so we’re coming back to reality. “
