Charles Leclerc delivered the perfect response to recent criticism by securing a front-row start for the Austrian Grand Prix, while Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur defended his driver and insisted that the Monegasque’s speed has never been in doubt. Both acknowledged that confidence has taken a hit after a difficult run of races, but they believe Austria could mark an important turning point.
Charles Leclerc returns to the front row
After a disappointing triple-header that included Montreal, Monaco and Barcelona, Charles Leclerc finally gave the strongest possible answer to those questioning his form by putting his Ferrari on the front row for the Austrian Grand Prix.
The Monegasque will line up alongside George Russell, although he remained cautious when speaking to Canal+ after qualifying.
“Right now my confidence isn’t at its highest because after a few difficult weekends I’ve lost confidence in the car. As a result, I’m a little caught in that mindset where you’re trying to save the weekend, and the objective is simply to have a clean weekend without any problems.”
“In any case, I don’t think I could have taken pole position away from George. He was simply too fast, even if I had driven the lap of my life. We need to finish the race properly, and then I’ll be able to smile a little more and look ahead with greater optimism.”
Frédéric Vasseur remains calm
Speaking to F1TV, Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur was asked for his thoughts on Charles Leclerc’s impressive qualifying performance. The Frenchman made it clear that he had never shared the concerns surrounding his driver’s recent form.
“You journalists were much more worried than I was, because honestly, I wasn’t concerned. In his final lap at Monaco he was fighting for pole and had a two-tenth advantage over Max. In Barcelona, when he went off, he was putting together a very good lap.”
Frédéric Vasseur stressed that Charles Leclerc’s raw pace has always been present, suggesting that recent mistakes were more closely linked to confidence than outright speed.
“The pace has always been there. Right now he’s under a bit of pressure and he’s made a few mistakes. But it’s good for him to put together a strong lap again. If he can also put together a complete race, he’ll rediscover his rhythm.”
With Ferrari showing improved competitiveness in Austria and Charles Leclerc back on the front row, Sunday’s Grand Prix now offers the perfect opportunity for the Monegasque to rebuild his confidence and finally turn encouraging pace into a complete race weekend.
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