Estéban den Toom is an editor at GPblog, specializing in Formula 1. With a background in journalism and a keen eye for detail, he delivers daily, reliable coverage and analysis of technical developments and on-track strategy within the sport.
For Formula 1 fans, it was definitely a strange moment
during the qualifying round for the Grand Prix of Spain. With just three minutes to go
a camera in the pit box of Charles Leclerc showed everyone him standing outside
his car. It was immediately clear that the Monégasque was not going for a
second run during Q3. Afterwards, Leclerc is still satisfied with his choice.
"I had no tyres left," the Ferrari driver began after
the Saturday session with Sky Sports. "I think we were one of the only cars to have only four new sets of softs for the whole of qualifying. All the others around us had five new softs."
"So I already knew it was going to be difficult and I only wanted to use three softs, which is making our life a lot more difficult."
Leclerc takes responsibility, Ferrari wanted something different
So it was absolutely the driver's choice. Leclerc also
takes responsibility for any consequences that may occur on Sunday for the Italian Scuderia. "I take responsibility for it because the team had pushed for a different way, but I'm quite happy with my choice. I sacrificed today, I hope it will pay off tomorrow. If it doesn't, it's my fault."
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Leclerc eventually finished in seventh place and will thus
start from the fourth row at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Teammate Lewis Hamilton finished in P5 and thus has a slightly more
favorable starting position. Between the two Ferrari men is Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
When asked for his target for the race, the Monegasque answered: "The podium. I think the race pace is strong, it depends how much we are to overtake."
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