Charles Leclerc analyzes his “rally” lap, with limited regrets after mistake in last corners | Austrian GP. Charles Leclerc analyzes his final Q3 lap.

Ferrari manages to address some setup issues identified during the Austrian Sprint, but in qualifying, Charles Leclerc squanders everything on the final attempt in Q3: the Monegasque driver’s comments after the session at the 4.318-kilometre Red Bull Ring in Spielberg on Saturday.

It’s a “tuned-up” SF-24 for the Spielberg qualifying. In the Saturday afternoon at the Red Bull Ring, the two Ferrari drivers can count on a car that is a bit closer to the rivals ahead. The Maranello single-seaters manage to gain a little ground, but in Q3, a mistake in the last two corners proves fatal for Charles Leclerc, where even a slight error costs dearly.

The Monegasque driver touches the gravel, loses maximum grip, and is forced to go straight at the final corner. The lap ends with a bitter taste in his mouth, securing a provisional P7. Only a track limit violation by Oscar Piastri briefly brings a smile to Charles Leclerc, who – thanks to the Australian – gains P6.

While hoping for another favor from Lewis Hamilton, investigated for an unsafe release in Q2, Charles Leclerc speaks to journalists. “I always want to try, today it was too much. Often taking risks pays off, not today: in turns 2 and 3 I was very happy and optimistic. There I was two tenths faster than the previous lap.

Charles Leclerc analyzed his final qualifying attempt: “Then in turn 4 I tried to brake late to gain something and unfortunately I locked up a bit at the front and went straight. In turn 6 I went a bit ‘banzai’ hoping to keep it all together, but I touched the gravel. In turn 7 I kept pushing despite knowing it would be very difficult to improve. It’s a shame because the first run in Q3 on used tires was very good,” observed the Ferrari driver.

The improvements since the morning were palpable. Charles Leclerc thanks his team and takes responsibility: “The feeling was better, the team did a good job. But today in Q3 I made the mistake, I’m sorry especially considering the tough races we’ve had lately…” – he added.

There are some regrets for the Ferrari driver, who nonetheless knows he couldn’t have achieved much more: “I would have liked to achieve a better result, which wouldn’t have been better than a third place maybe… but certainly better than P7.” – Charles Leclerc concluded.

Source: f1ingenerale