(Motorsport-Total.com) – Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc experienced a mixed race at the Grand Prix in Barcelona. The Monegasque subsequently speaks of a combination of strategic difficulties, a difficult starting position, and a technical defect that ended his race prematurely. At the same time, he expresses satisfaction with his teammate Lewis Hamilton’s victory and the team’s progress due to recent upgrades.
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Leclerc started the race from tenth position and retrospectively saw this as a decisive disadvantage. “I think the two stops were a mistake, but the biggest problem was starting from P10,” explains the Ferrari driver. Although he had at times considered a possible placement around fourth realistic, the starting position had made the race very difficult.
Later in the race, Ferrari, according to Leclerc, opted for a two-stop strategy, which in hindsight proved not to be optimal. “I think the two stops were a bit of a mistake on my part, three stops would probably have been better,” he said. Nevertheless, he emphasizes that the strategic decision was not the only limiting factor.
Technical Defect Ends Leclerc’s Race
Shortly before the end of the race, Leclerc finally had to park his Ferrari due to a technical problem. The failure of the power steering and other systems was particularly critical. “I lost power steering and with the virtual safety car, I don’t know if the result would have changed much. Maybe P4 would have been possible,” said Leclerc. He later added: “I had no gears left and no brakes either.”
Despite his own retirement, Leclerc is positive about his team’s success and especially about Hamilton’s performance, who won the race. “It’s great for the team and great for Lewis. The team has worked hard to bring upgrades, and it seems to be working,” he explains. At the same time, he makes it clear that he himself is now challenged to reach the level of his teammate.
Read more Formula 1 Live Ticker: The race in Barcelona live!
Hamilton Continues Strong Form
Hamilton has shown a very high level in the last four races, Leclerc emphasized. “Now I have to be with him, which hasn’t been the case in the last races since Canada,” he says.
Leclerc also expresses cautious optimism about the general development of the Ferrari package. The latest updates have brought progress, especially in terms of tire wear, even if the conditions in Barcelona might have exaggerated this.
“I think we made a big step forward this weekend, especially with tire wear,” explains Leclerc. At the same time, however, he warns against interpreting this as a complete turnaround.
In conclusion, the Ferrari driver expresses disappointment about the course of his own weekend, particularly due to the technical problems and the lost points in the fight for the top positions. Nevertheless, he looks ahead to the upcoming races and the further development of the car, hoping for a more stable and successful overall package.
Read more Formula 1 live ticker: The race in Barcelona live!