Charles Leclerc and Ferrari surprised by the small gap with Mercedes

Looking at the first two sectors of his last attempt in Q3, Charles Leclerc seemed set to come and create a little surprise by beating the two Mercedes de Valtteri Bottas and especially Lewis Hamilton, placed as favorite for pole on his home soil.

But the last sector did not turn out in favor of the pilot Ferrari, beaten by 79 thousandths against Valtteri Bottas. A result which, however, partly satisfies the former Sauber resident.

“In Q2 it was pretty good, but in Q3 I think Mercedes increased the engine power and they were really fast, especially in the corners, where we still need to work, recalls Leclerc. This is the best we could do today.

We are delighted with the overall performance, and we did not expect to be so close to Mercedes. We thought we would be in more trouble. We have been struggling since FP1 with the front of the car, a little less in qualifying. Of course we would have liked a better position. »

As in Austria, the Monegasque will start on a different choice of tires than the Mercedes, starting the event tomorrow on soft tires unlike Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton, who will have medium tires.

A premeditated choice according to Leclerc. “That was what we wanted. indicates the Scuderia driver. In Austria, it was not a bad choice. It is our objective to use our tire advantage, especially at the start, to gain positions. »

The Monegasque, however, remains cautious about the chances of his SF90 against the Mercedes who are showing a more than promising race pace. “In view of Friday's simulations, I think it will be very difficult, admits Leclerc.

Red Bull seems fast and it could be tricky. If we manage to gain positions at the start, it's a track where it's not so easy to overtake, so we have a chance. »