Leclerc has hope: 'We are strong in the race, I am confident for tomorrow'

Charles Leclerc finished sixth in qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix on Saturday. The Ferrari driver was more than half a second slower than pole-sitter Max Verstappen. Speaking to Viaplay, the Monegasque accepted the disappointing result and set his sights on tomorrow.

"Not ideal. On my side, I think we really went in with the philosophy of trying to maximise the car for the race tomorrow. However, I did not expect to lose out to McLaren and Fernando (Alonso). I don't know if there was another car in front, but we were expecting to be behind Red Bull."

Faith for tomorrow's Shanghai showdown 

Despite the somewhat disappointing starting position, Leclerc does have high hopes for the race. "Maybe we sacrificed a bit too much but that gives me the confidence for tomorrow. I think we'll have good race pace." Said the five-time race winner.

"I think in race pace we are very strong. I mean, way better is a strong word and I'll wait and see. This morning they had dirty air (McLarens), which never helps. But let's see."