Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Interlagos, 2019

“Stupid” mistake cost Leclerc three-tenths in Q3

2019 F1 season

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Charles Leclerc says he could have been quickest in qualifying had he not made a “stupid” mistake on one of his laps.

“The second timed lap was just not good enough,” said the Ferrari driver. “The first timed lap in Q3 I’ve been stupid, basically.

“I think there was definitely the potential for pole. The first two sectors were great. The last corner I did a mistake which cost me three tenths. So there was the potential for pole in the car today but I didn’t do the job on track. So it’s my fault.”

Leclerc set the fourth-quickest time in qualifying, 0.22 seconds slower than pole winner Max Verstappen. The Ferrari driver has a 10-place grid penalty for tomorrow’s race due to a power unit change which means he will start from 14th place.

“It’s going to be difficult because the race pace is not our strong point at the moment,” he said. “But I’m going to give it all and hopefully we’ll have a podium.”

Leclerc said he will go in “full attack mode” on Sunday.

“I enjoy starting at the back any time. I enjoy it a little bit less when I’m fighting for the third place in the championship. But it’s life, it’s like this and I’ll try to enjoy it as much as possible.”

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2019 F1 season

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One comment on ““Stupid” mistake cost Leclerc three-tenths in Q3”

  1. That lap on mediums was puzzling, narrow gap between tyres.

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