Charles Leclerc lamented a strategic misstep that affected his qualifying performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix, leaving him in second place behind pole-sitter Max Verstappen.
Opting for a fresh set of soft tires in Q1, Leclerc questioned the decision over team radio, foreshadowing its consequences. Despite topping Q2, he found himself using a used set of tires in Q3, compromising his ultimate pace.
Reflecting on his qualifying performance, Leclerc expressed disappointment at missing out on pole position but acknowledged the progress made compared to the previous year.
He remains hopeful of the team’s race pace while anticipating a challenging battle against Red Bull. Carlos Sainz, Leclerc’s teammate, also faced challenges during qualifying, ending up in P4.
While acknowledging the team’s solid performance, Sainz seeks to understand the reasons behind their Q3 struggles and aims to capitalize on their competitive position in the race.
Both drivers remain optimistic about their prospects in the Bahrain Grand Prix, poised to fight for strong results despite the stiff competition.