Ferrari’s Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc prepares to leave pitlane during the third practice session of the 2023 Formula One Australian Grand Prix at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne on April 1, 2023. (Photo by Paul CROCK / AFP)
MELBOURNE— Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc expressed disappointment after he could only manage seventh in qualifying for the Formula One Australian Grand Prix on Saturday, as he and teammate Carlos Sainz once again failed to bridge the gap to Red Bull.
Reigning champion Max Verstappen took pole position for Red Bull, with Mercedes driver George Russell on the front row for Sunday’s race at Albert Park after qualifying second ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton.
Leclerc said he was frustrated after being caught behind Sainz during Saturday’s third qualifying session, hampering his lap time.
“I don’t know what happened in the second round of Q3, whether it was a miscommunication with Carlos,” Leclerc told reporters. “But I found myself behind him for the first sector, which wasn’t great.”
Formula One F1 – Australian Grand Prix – Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne, Australia – April 1, 2023 Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc during qualifying REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
He said the Ferrari was performing better in Albert Park than in its outing in Jeddah two weeks ago, blaming his own performance for his qualifying position as well as the miscommunication with Sainz.
“I feel like we are quite competitive, but I just didn’t put everything together,” Leclerc said.
“Honestly, the feeling is better, but again today I’m not particularly happy about the way I drove,” he said. “I think the car was actually quite good.”
Sainz, who will start in fifth behind fellow Spaniard Fernando Alonso, said Mercedes were much closer to contention than many realized.
“They are lot faster than what people think,” he told Sky Sports.
“That car is quick. It is clearly not as quick as Red Bull, no one is, but if they put qualifying together they can be a very strong package.”