Charles Leclerc has said he has an “idea” for the reasons behind Ferrari’s pace deficit through the first sector as he qualified sixth at Formula 1’s Chinese Grand Prix.
Ferrari has emerged as Red Bull’s closest contender in the nascent stages of the 2024 season but was unable to challenge the reigning champions on one-lap pace.
While Max Verstappen fronted a Red Bull front-row lock-out in Shanghai, Leclerc wound up behind Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin and both McLarens in sixth place.
The Monegasque driver was one position ahead of team-mate Carlos Sainz, with Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur assessing that its margin came in the opening corners.
Leclerc has revealed that he believes he understands the root cause of the time loss and remains positive that the Maranello-based squad can compete for a podium.
“We struggled a lot in the first sector, which I can have an idea of, and I don’t think it comes from tyre preparation that time,” he explained.
“But we set it up the car on my side mostly for the race tomorrow. I think it’s going to pay off tomorrow.
“However, we did not expect McLaren and Fernando to be able to jump us, so I was happy to sacrifice being P3 behind the Red Bulls with a good car for the race.
“But now obviously we are starting P6, so it’s a bit further back than what we would have liked.
“However, we have a good race pace, good tyre management, that gives me the confidence that we can come back to third tomorrow.
“But we need to get past quickly and hopefully there are no DRS trains.”
Leclerc had entered the weekend desperate to discover whether he had improved upon the low-fuel difficulties that cost him a win in Australia and a podium in Japan.
The Ferrari driver, who out-qualified Sainz for the first time in three rounds, asserts that he has made progress, but conceded that he still didn’t optimise his prospects.
Asked whether he was happier with his approach this weekend in China, Leclerc replied: “I mean there was no special lap or whatsoever like I like to do in qualifying.
“So not yet at the level where I want to be but I’m on the right path and as I said it’s a matter of time and I don’t think it’s going to be long.
“Already this weekend has been a better feeling and next weekend I’m sure will be all good.”
