Sauber driver Charles Leclerc has cautioned against raising expectations over his and the team’s prospects, following on from his starring drive at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Leclerc rose through the order around the streets of Baku and stayed out of trouble to collect sixth position.
It marked Leclerc’s first points in Formula 1 and was Sauber’s highest finish at a Grand Prix since 2015 – and in one swoop out-scoring its points total from the entirety of 2016 and 2017.
Leclerc, though, has played down expectations ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, warning that Sauber cannot use its Baku display as a benchmark moving forward.
“It’s not going to be as strong as Baku, I expect it to more difficult than Baku in terms of getting results out of this weekend,” said Leclerc.
“The car might struggle a little bit more here than in Baku but that’s what we expect. Last year we managed to score points here, if we get the opportunity we will have to take it in Baku.
“We shouldn’t expect any miracles like we had in Baku, we will push to get the best result possible but I expect a hard qualifying.”
Sauber has scored points in half of this year’s four Grands Prix but Leclerc again warned that regular top 10 finishes are unlikely to be commonplace in the short-term.
“I think it’s a bit early to say that for now,” Leclerc said when asked whether Sauber can contend for points at each race.
“But I am definitely sure that if we continue like this we will arrive at this point sooner or later.
“I think we are working very well and we just need to keep the focus like we did from the beginning of the season and keep working exactly the same way and I am sure we will be fighting pretty soon for points on a regular basis.”
