Verstappen's surprise challenger is happy: 'Pace was really very good'

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc was happy with his team's progress in Canada. The Monegasque, who was still battling with his own car in Barcelona, had a good Friday and was thus positive afterwards.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko said after the second free practice session that he was surprised by the speed of Mercedes, which finished the second practice session with a 1-2. But the Austrian was quick to add that Ferrari showed even stronger pace, especially Charles Leclerc during his long runs. From Marko's words, the energy drink manufacturer expects him to be Max Verstappen's biggest challenger in Canada.

The man in question, Leclerc, was himself delighted with the speed of his SF-23, he revealed in conversation with F1TV. He even called it one of the best free practice sessions of the year. "In terms of feeling it’s been up there, yes." Although the six-time race winner makes a small comment on that. "Tomorrow will be a completely new day and, honestly, I don’t think there’s much that we can bring from today to tomorrow as it’s going to rain probably."

Nevertheless, the speed of the Italian racetrack is an encouraging sign:"Yes, the pace was really, really good. Now we just need to have a clean qualifying tomorrow in very tricky conditions and see what’s possible on Sunday." Ferrari now seems to have a better understanding of the updates they are taking to Spain, Leclerc argues.