Leclerc explains last lap: 'It's so close with everyone'

Charles Leclerc failed to get pole position in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix on Saturday. The Monegasque had to settle for a place behind rival Max Verstappen, who can take the world title this weekend. Afterwards, Leclerc sounded realistic.

At the start of his final lap in Q3, Leclerc was pushing hard for Verstappen's time but ultimately fell short of beating the Dutchman. Although the Ferrari driver had hoped for more, he thinks second place also gives a nice starting position.

"It's a really tricky lap here," Leclerc stressed. "When you are fast in the first sector, you lose it in the last sector. I tried to find that balance on the last lap, but lost the tyres in the last sector and thus time. It's so close with everyone."

Leclerc expects fun and good race

Leclerc knows that the drivers will certainly not face an easy race on Sunday. Nevertheless, he is likewise looking forward to it. "The feeling is good with the car, but let's wait and see the conditions. It should be a fun and good race."