Charles Leclerc, between satisfaction and frustration in Singapore
Fifth in Singapore, the Ferrari driver maximized his performance during the race on Sunday after a failed qualification on Saturday.
Starting from ninth position on the grid at the Singapore Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc knew it would be difficult for him to get a podium on a track where overtaking is particularly challenging. Climbing back to 5th place after an aggressive race and perfect driving, the Ferrari driver also benefited from a strategy different from his main rivals.
« I am a bit torn even though I can say that I am happy with my race. It was very difficult to overtake in the first relay behind (Nico) Hülkenberg and (Fernando) Alonso. In the second relay, we had a very good pace and I was able to attack.
Without his mistake in qualifying and with the pace he had in the second relay, Leclerc could have fought for the podium. Instead, he had to battle in the pack, then with the Mercedes at the end of the race.
I am especially disappointed for yesterday (Saturday, qualifying day). On a small mistake in Q3, one can go from a very good result to a very bad one. Against George (Russell), we were faster in performance but it was complicated to overtake him. We managed our race well and there wasn’t much more to do today.
Leclerc, who had been on four consecutive podiums since the Belgian Grand Prix at the end of July, is still third in the championship but with just eight small points ahead of his closest pursuer Oscar Piastri.
