Leclerc explains second place sprint race: 'I paid the price'

Charles Leclerc did not manage to win the first sprint race of the season in Imola on Saturday afternoon. The Monegasque had to acknowledge his superiority to Max Verstappen who walked away with the victory. Afterwards, Leclerc had a logical explanation for his second place.

The driver is hoping to perform well for Ferrari's home country this weekend. However, during qualifying on Friday, he already appeared to be struggling to beat Verstappen. Also in the sprint race, the Dutchman managed to grab the first position and thus secure pole position for the race.

"I pushed hard at the beginning to try and not be vulnerable to Max having the DRS behind," Leclerc explained in conversation with Sky Sports. "I feel like I paid the price of doing that at the end of the race. So, it felt like they had something more today."

On Sunday afternoon, Leclerc prepares for the race, again starting from second position. The world championship frontrunner must prepare for a soaking wet race, in which he must secure points for Ferrari with wet track conditions.