New first line for Leclerc: “One of the strangest sessions of my career”

A first line, almost surprise, for Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque set the second time in Q3 on Friday, in São Paulo, for the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday. A stalled position in extremis, a few moments before a deluge fell on the Interlagos circuit. On the only possible attempt in Q3 and despite a strong wind, the driver of the Team managed to set a sufficient time for the first row.

“It was one of the strangest sessions of my career, declared Charles Leclerc after qualifying. “Especially the last session, I think the rain was coming, the wind completely changed. There was no rain around, but the grip changed completely, and it was extremely difficult. We had to guess where the grip was. I had a good lap, so I'm happy, even if it's very, very difficult in these conditions. In any case, I am happy with my second place. It’s a good place to fight on Sunday. »

Leclerc, decisive in the final moments

The Ferraris, who had set the best times during the only Free Practice session, were not yet favorites for qualifying. There Red Bull de Verstappen, McLaren and Mercedes seemed to have a slight advantage over the Italian mounts in Q1 and Q2.

The Reds were often put in danger at the start of the session, but Charles Leclerc, often performing well in the final moments of qualifying, was able to make the most of his car to get 2nd place. “I knew I just had to make a lap to get to Q3, confided the Monegasque. I did it, which was enough to get to Q3, and then, like I said, it was very, very tricky in Q3."

It remains to be seen whether the SF-23 will succeed in trapping Max Verstappen's RB19 on Sunday. The Ferrari, fast on a flying lap, still has gaps in race pace compared to its opponents. Maranello is still waiting to wave a second flag at the Prancing Horse since Ferrari's only victory and Carlos Sainz in Singapore.

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