Charles Leclerc expressed surprise at Ferrari’s unexpected performance during Qualifying for the United States Grand Prix. The team secured third and fifth positions, with Leclerc placing third and his teammate Lewis Hamilton fifth. This outcome was particularly surprising given Ferrari’s struggles leading up to Qualifying.
Ferrari’s Struggles and Turnaround
Prior to Qualifying, Leclerc and Hamilton faced disappointing results in Sprint Qualifying. They finished in P10 and P8, respectively, indicating challenges in both pace and performance. However, during Saturday’s Sprint, the duo gained positions by avoiding a significant incident at Turn 1, where McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri crashed in a multi-car collision.
Leclerc’s Insights on Performance
In stark contrast to their earlier struggles, Ferrari emerged as a formidable contender during Grand Prix Qualifying. Leclerc noted this unexpected turnaround, saying, “It was quite a big surprise, especially considering the weekend that has been very difficult for us since the beginning.” He emphasized the need for further understanding of the car’s performance variations throughout the weekend.
- Leclerc’s grid position: 3rd
- Hamilton’s grid position: 5th
- McLaren drivers involved in crash: Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri
Leclerc believes that the race strategy will be crucial. He stated, “I think everything will be down to the start and having free air.” The outcome of the race may hinge on their position after Turn 1, making it essential to launch effectively from the grid.
Hamilton’s Aspirations
Lewis Hamilton, the most successful driver at the Circuit of The Americas with five wins, seeks his first podium finish with Ferrari. Despite a challenging initial season, Hamilton remains optimistic. “It’s the closest I’ve been in God knows how long,” he remarked, expressing determination to secure a top finish on race day.
Teams’ Championship Battle
Ferrari faces intense competition from Mercedes and Red Bull in the Teams’ Championship. With Max Verstappen on pole position and both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli qualifying within the top seven, Sunday’s race is anticipated to be highly competitive and pivotal for all teams involved.
This Qualifying round sets the stage for an exciting race, as Leclerc and Hamilton aim to maximize Ferrari’s performance amid the ongoing rivalry in Formula 1.
