Leclerc 'Did Not Expect' The Ferrari's Qualifying Result In Mexico City

Sunday, 29 October 2023 at 19:00

Updated at Saturday, 02 December 2023 at 18:12

Scuderia Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc reacted to an unexpected front-row lockout by his team for the race on Sunday in the 2023 Mexico City Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc has stated after the second practice session in Mexico City it would be a "huge surprise" if he managed to put his Ferrari on the pole again in Mexico City.

Leclerc and Carlos Sainz did not look really strong in the Q1 and Q2. On the other hand, both Ferrari drivers showed the pace when it mattered and put their laps on top of the board in the first run of Q3.

Their names remained at the top of the board as no remaining drivers could beat them in the second run. Asked if Ferrari knew they had this pace, Leclerc responded to the media:

"Absolutely not. Then, it's been two weekends in a row we say that, so then people will start not believing us anymore. But to be honest, I did not expect to be on pole position today."

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Leclerc jokes people will stop believing what he says as his performances are better than his expectations. Ferrari did not look as strong in FP3, but it all came together in the Qualifying.

"We thought we were lacking quite a bit after FP3. But for some reason, once we put everything together, it went well. With the new tires, we gained a lot."

Knowing he does not get any points for scoring pole position, the Monegasque driver said the focus is already on the race on Sunday.

"But I'm already focusing on tomorrow's race, because while I’m in pole position, but now we need to convert it into a win tomorrow. And, of course, it's going to be very difficult."

Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez has the longest run from pole position into the first corner from all the circuits in the F1 calendar. The most optimal starting position, therefore, seems to be the third place occupied by Max Verstappen.

The driver from the first place can get a great slipstream in the 800 meters to overtake cars in front. After being asked about his approach for the race on Sunday, Leclerc said:

"Ah, first place here, I'm not sure it's the best starting place. But anyway, that's fine. I'm happy. I'll take that pole position. I'm really happy with today. And now let's, as I said, finalise it tomorrow."