Leclerc Critical Of Himself Despite P1: 'Didn't Do A Good Enough Job'

Saturday, 18 November 2023 at 18:00

Charles Leclerc, who scored a pole position during the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix Qualification, revealed he was unsatisfied with his performance.

The Scuderia Ferrari F1 team expected a strong weekend at the Las Vegas Strip circuit as the track was supposed to suit their car.

After showing a strong pace in Free Practice Session Two, Charles Leclerc told the media his car showed great pace during qualifying simulations and suggested he expected to compete for the pole.

The predictions of the Monegasque driver were right as he managed to snatch the P1 at the end of the qualifying ahead of his teammate Sainz in second place. Leclerc told the media right after the qualifying:

"Obviously, it's an incredible event, and to be starting from pole is great. However, I'm disappointed with my laps in Q3."

Read also

Sergio Perez 'Very Sorry For The Fans' Ejected From The Las Vegas Strip Circuit

While both Ferrari drivers were good three-tenths clear of Max Verstappen on Red Bull in third place, Leclerc still felt he could have gone faster in Q3.

"I didn't do a good enough job, but it was enough for P1. So that's all we need. Now, we focus on tomorrow to try and put everything together in the race."

After getting his car damaged in the FP1 session, Sainz had to replace his power unit by running over a loose manhole cover. As a result, he will receive a ten-place grid penalty.

This will move the Flying Dutchman to second place on the front row to start alongside Charles Leclerc. Verstappen is expected to pose a main threat to Leclerc as the Red Bull tends to be faster in the race. The 26-year-old concluded:

"Normally that's where we lack the most performance. So I hope we can put it all together and win here. Hopefully, we work hard enough in order to win and then have a good party to celebrate that win."