“I did my best” – Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc plans a resurgent drive for 2022 F1 US GP

Charles Leclerc feels he gave it his greatest after qualifying in P2 for the 2022 F1 United States GP behind teammate Carlos Sainz.

Unfortunately, the Monegasque will be unable to carry onto that place for the race after choosing up a 10-place grid penalty for taking up new Power Unit (PU) elements.

Leclerc was the pacesetter within the first Free Practice session on Friday. He even appeared to be the quicker of the 2 Ferrari automobiles throughout the earlier phases of qualifying earlier than being outshone by Carlos Sainz. The Spaniard grew to become the primary Ferrari driver to clinch pole place on the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) since F1 began racing right here in 2012.

While in dialog with Danica Patrick following the session, Charles Leclerc opened up concerning the obstacles he confronted in placing the lap collectively, admitting that the weather did him no favors. The 25-12 months-previous stated:

“It is obviously really difficult, especially with the wind. The car changes a lot from lap to lap, but overall, I did my best. The last lap wasn’t the best. Carlos [Sainz] did a better job today and deserves to be on pole. I will be starting a bit further back because of the penalty but the goal is to try and come back at the front as quickly as possible.”

He was then requested concerning the passing of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz on the age of 78. The Monegasque replied:

“It is incredibly sad but apart from everything he has done in his career which is incredible, he is a human being and it is a really sad loss for motorsports. So, all my thoughts go to their family and friends.”

When requested to share his plans for the race, Charles Leclerc admitted he can be able to take any alternative that presents itself however dominated out any unconventional dangerous conduct. He stated:

“Yeah, well I will give my best as always. We are again starting I think 12th or 11th with the engine penalty we have. So, yeah, I will give my best. No crazy risks but if there is an opportunity, I will be here to take it.”

Considering that each F1 race on the COTA has solely been gained by drivers beginning on the entrance row, Charles Leclerc can have his work minimize out for him beginning in P12.

The excessive tire degradation that’s usually seen in Austin doesn’t precisely bode properly for the Ferrari F1-75, which has felt the brunt of this impact greater than as soon as this season.

Charles Leclerc is ‘equally gifted’ as Max Verstappen, claims former F1 driver

Charles Leclerc is simply as gifted as two-time world champion Max Verstappen within the eyes of former F1 driver Christian Klien.

Leclerc began the season robust and appeared to be answerable for the 2022 F1 Drivers World Championship battle for the opening 5 rounds. That was earlier than his and Ferrari’s season began to unravel with technical and strategic errors from the group in addition to particular person errors from the 25-12 months-previous.

This allowed Max Verstappen to assert the 2022 crown at a canter in Suzuka, with the ultimate nail within the coffin coming from a mistake from Leclerc on the final lap of the 2022 F1 Japanese GP.

Despite the apparent gulf in factors between Leclerc and Verstappen this season, Klien feels the pair are on par in terms of expertise behind the wheel. While in dialog throughout an episode of the F1 Nation podcast within the construct-as much as the 2022 F1 US GP, the Austrian stated:

“I think Charles [Leclerc] is equally talented. I mean some of his pole position laps that he put together this year was just unbelievable. I also think he has the race craft. If you have a bigger tyre degradation during the race there’s not much that you can do as a driver.”

Charles Leclerc has the most effective pole file in 2022 however Max Verstappen has extra wins from these poles than the Monegasque himself.

Having misplaced the title to the Dutchman, Leclerc is now locked in a battle with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez to attempt to declare P2 within the standings. The pair is separated by solely a level heading into the race in Austin.