Charles Leclerc: “I can’t realize it yet”

The premiere weekend therefore did not stop with his only accession to Q2 yesterday for the first time in his emerging career in F1. Charles Leclerc leaves Baku with the important points of sixth place, thus securing its first harvest in the category.

Placed in the top 10 at the start of the race after starting from 13th place, the Sauber driver took advantage of the first skirmishes in the peloton, with the collision between Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) and Esteban Ocon (ForceIndia).

Still in the running for points, the Monegasque then took advantage of numerous racing incidents, including the collision between the two Red Bull or the puncture of Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) to gain positions and finish in sixth place.

“It’s the first time in my career where I’m moved,” admits Leclerc, at the microphone of Canal +. It’s difficult… I’m super happy. I didn't expect it at all. Getting sixth is great. We took advantage of the opportunities a little but it was a very complicated race, and that's nice.

We have difficulty keeping the tires warm more than the others. My tires were very cold; We were in the right place at the right time every time and we managed to gain a few places that way.

On super-softs we were very fast. I didn't really believe it when I saw that I wasn't far from Kimi and that he wasn't letting go of us. It was like a dream. I can't figure it out yet. »

Leclerc thus overtakes his teammate Marcus Ericsson in the Drivers' standings, the Swede having scored the points for ninth place in Bahrain.

Discover the full report and analysis of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondents in Baku, in AUTO issue 2163hebdo, available tomorrow evening in digital version and this Thursday on newsstands.