Charles Leclerc/Ferrari: 55 thousandths off pole, strong self-praise

Ferrari – the most successful team at the Zandvoort circuit – had a mixed bag in the Sprint qualifying session: Nine-time Grand Prix winner Charles Leclerc will start the short race on 21 August from third on the grid, just 55 thousandths behind leader Russell, whilst Lewis Hamilton, on the other hand, has to settle for P7.

Timo Glock, an F1 expert for our colleagues at Sky in the Netherlands, said: “It certainly looks as though Ferrari have got the set-up right for Leclerc, but not yet for Hamilton.”

The German continued: “But here at Zandvoort, it can always happen that a gust of wind catches you out. But the difference between Leclerc and Hamilton stems from the different car balance, and if you don’t have complete confidence in the car at Zandvoort, then you can’t really let it fly without holding back.”

Charles Leclerc says of his Friday in the dunes by the North Sea: “Of course I’d have preferred to secure my first sprint pole in three years, but I’m very pleased with my own performance – I think that was my best qualifying lap of the whole season!”

“That also means we’re getting something right with the car’s set-up, because to drive a lap like that, you need the right feel in the cockpit.”

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“That’s no guarantee it’ll be the same tomorrow, but it’s a good start. And that’s also really important for getting back into the swing of things straight away after the summer break.”

“As for the Sprint itself: I reckon we’re in with a good chance of winning. I felt very comfortable in the Ferrari during free practice, but I don’t know yet whether that will translate to the race.”