Leclerc: “Sad to see Ferrari so far down the rankings”

A year ago, Ferrari scored a comfortable double in Free Practice 2 of the 2019 Belgian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc clocking a time of 1'44''123 to set the benchmark for Friday. A year later, the Monegasque was in 15th place in the same session, behind the Alfa Romeo with a Ferrari engine of Antonio Giovinazzi and Kimi Räikkönen, in 1'45''440. 

« It was a really difficult day, whispered Leclerc in the evening. It's a surprise to be this far down in the rankings. We tried a lot of things in the afternoon. We tried a fairly aggressive approach in terms of support but it didn't really give satisfaction. We then changed our minds. 

We just lack rhythm. We have big problems with the general balance. We have to work hard for the rest of the weekend but I'm not expecting a miracle. It's not a good feeling. It's sad to see Ferrari so far down the standings. As a driver, we are there to give our best and that is what Seb and I try to do ».

His teammate Sebastian Vettel must be satisfied with the 17th fastest time of EL2, stuck between the Williams by George Russell and Nicholas latifi. The morning had not been much better for the Italian clan, Leclerc and Vettel appearing in 14th and 15th rows respectively.  

« It was a complicated day for us, commented the quadruple German world champion, resigned. The car was delicate and difficult to drive. It also means that we are not exactly where we should be. We are looking for solutions in terms of settings, we tried a lot of things in the afternoon. 

We're going to try to start from scratch and try something different. I'm convinced it will be a little better tomorrow ». 

The German was not surprised to lap a second slower than last year on the same track. “ This isn't the first time this has happened to us this season. He replied. 

Could Ferrari's salvation come from the sky with uncertain weather and rain which could close the gaps? Leclerc doesn't really believe it. 

« When riding on a wet track, balance problems are even more pronounced », Underlined, almost fatalistically, the winner of the 2019 Belgian Grand Prix.