Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc faced setbacks during practice for the Miami Grand Prix, managing only three laps due to a spin and a clutch issue. Despite his reputation for strong qualifying performances, with 23 pole positions in his F1 career, Leclerc struggled to optimize tire performance during recent qualifying sessions, contributing to a string of disappointing results.
In the lead-up to the Miami race, Leclerc qualified seventh for the sprint race and sixth for the Grand Prix itself, following an eighth-place qualifying finish at the Japanese Grand Prix. Reflecting on his performance, Leclerc expressed relief at his improved showing in Miami, particularly in the face of recent challenges. He acknowledged the difficulty of transitioning from limited practice laps to intense qualifying sessions, especially with stringent tire usage regulations.
Leclerc attributed his improved qualifying performance in Miami to previous efforts to understand and optimize tire performance. Acknowledging the fickle nature of Formula 1, where performances are scrutinized race by race, he emphasized the importance of consistency and maintaining a competitive edge. Despite his strong qualifying position, Leclerc remained uncertain about Ferrari’s race pace, having had limited opportunity for long runs during practice.
Looking ahead to the sprint race and Grand Prix, Leclerc expressed optimism but remained cautious about Ferrari’s competitiveness, particularly in terms of race pace. With hopes for a strong showing in the sprint race and an eye on Sunday’s main event, Leclerc emphasized the need for consistent performance and continued tire management to remain competitive throughout the weekend.
