Charles Leclerc says Abu Dhabi front row a “big surprise” after fearing Q1 exit with ‘peaky’ Ferrari F1 car 

Charles Leclerc says ending up on the front row of the grid for the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a “big surprise” after he feared a Q1 elimination. 
Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari in the post qualifying FIA Press Conference. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 23, Abu Dhabi
Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari in the post qualifying FIA Press Conference. Formula 1 World…

The Ferrari driver produced a special lap with his final run of Q3 to put his car on the front row alongside168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史: Max Verstappen’s Red Bull, almost t♏wo tenths clear of the next quickest car. 

It was a result that surprised Lecᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚlerc, who admitted he was concerned about being dumped out in the first part of qualifying due t✤o the “very peaky” nature of his SF-23.

"For some reason, aga✨in, our car is very peaky so whenever we are on 🌺scrubbed tyres, like the first run in Q3 was a very good lap, but we were last,” Leclerc explained. 

"I didn't have many hopes. But then w𒀰hen we put on the new tyres, everything comes a🤡live.

"It felt great. Again, I did a great lap. R🧜eally happy to be on the front row. But it's a big surprise.”

Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari SF-23. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 23, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu
Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari SF-23. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 23, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix…

The Monegasque added: "Honestly, considering the weekend we'v꧃e had until now, I did not expect it at all, the last lap. I knew I had to put absolutely everything together.

"I did the last corneꦚr, was a bit too much slidiꦰng. But I think everybody has had that.

"Q1 and Q2, I was worried to go through and at the end a f𝐆ront row, so it's amazing.♛”

Leclerc’s Ferrari teammate 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Carlos Sainz di꧅d suffer a shock Q1 elimination in a lowly 16th, which he blamed on traffic. 

N🎉ow Lecl꧟erc is determined to ensure Ferrari overhaul Mercedes, who currently hold second place in the constructors’ championship by virtue of a slender four-point cushion. 

Mercedes drivers168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史: George Russell and 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Lewis Hamilton will start Sunday’s season finale from fourth and 11th res൩pectively.

“That's the target. It is to beat [Mercedꦕes] in the constructors' championship,” Leclerc said. 

"I really hope Carlos [Sainz, eliminated in Q1] can ha꧂ve a great start and then join me in the fight.

"Let's try and put both of our cars in front of ꩵboth Mercedes and come back home with a second place in the constructors'. That is all that matters to me this weekend."

Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari celebrates his second position in qualifying parc ferme. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd
Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari celebrates his second position in qualifying parc ferme. Formula…

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