Charles Leclerc is back. And of Ferrari the best time in qualifying in Austin gave the Monegasque the pole position in Sunday’s race on the Circuit of the Americas, ending an absence from first place that had lasted since the weekend in Belgium – with the best time then achieved due to the penalty to Verstappen – . A show of strength by the number 16, which confirms the good things perceived during the only free practice session and brings home a significant result, also considering the time canceled by Max Verstappen who, on the last attempt, had snatched the pole to the Ferrari driver by just five thousandths, but then ended up in sixth position due to the stewards’ decision. Overall, a positive day also for Carlos Sainz, who closed with the fourth best time of the session but with an advantage linked to the start on the clean side of the track, a potential strong point in tackling the first corner.
“An excellent position in view of the race – he began -. I am very happy for Leclerc and for his return to pole position. The points are won on Sunday and it will certainly not be easy to maintain first position, but we must have confidence that we can give a good performance.” However, the number one in the Maranello garage preaches calm, even if “Sainz’s good position on the grid and the good results seen during free practice will allow us to prepare the race in the right way”, not forgetting however that “it was not possible to do a long run simulation, so it will be very difficult to have a clear picture before the race, but it will be the same for everyone”, he commented.
In front of him, Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes and Lando Norris’ McLaren, with the latter likely to give Leclerc a lot of trouble right at the start given the same favorable conditions as the Monegasque’s teammate. “I’m on pole for Sunday’s race and the result makes me happy – commented Leclerc -. Starting from the front, however, will certainly not be easy, but even if I’m not on the clean side of the track it’s always excellent to be in front of everyone. We’ve done some good free practice – continued the poleman -. During qualifying I made some mistakes, but I think it was a tough session for everyone on a track that I love and where the atmosphere is truly special”. So Leclerc, who hadn’t won pole on the track since the race in Azerbaijan, making a comeback for which the team principal of the Red, Frederic Vasseur, also said he was very happy.