Austrian GP F1 Qualification: Charles Leclerc Disappointed Only To Be Second

JAKARTA - Ferrari's Charles Leclerc failed to win pole position after only taking second place in the qualifying Formula 1 of the Austrian Grand Prix. He had to admit the superiority of Red Bull Racing rider Max Verstappen.

Unfortunately, Leclerc was only 0.048 seconds away from Verstappen. That's what disappointed him.

"I never felt happy when I was second, I was just happy when I was the first in a race," Leclerc said as quoted from the official F1 website via Antara, Saturday, July 1.

A fierce battle broke out between Verstappen and two Ferrari riders, Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in the qualifying round at the Red Bull Ring.

Leclerc said the team had made a number of improvements and the progress was seen well when they faced the defending champions from the Netherlands who were so dominant in F1 this season.

The changes, continued Leclerc, include changes to the floor and car wings.

"Today we lost pole position very thinly, but to be honest, we also have to be realistic and see our performance throughout this season. This result may be the best qualification we have, apart from the Baku (Azerbaijan) (GP) where we are in front of everyone", said the racer from Monaco.

"The team has done an extraordinary job by trying to bring this upgrade as early as possible to this season and I think this has helped us. Now we need to make sure in the race."

"But, yes, however, indeed (not winning pole) feels bitter, considering we are very close to Max but (so that) is not enough, and it is very frustrating," he added.

Meanwhile, Sainz also regretted his decision to play safe on Q2, after a number of riders saw their fastest lap removed due to a track boundary violation.

"I actually had to go up again when I felt fine with the track limits, but we played safe, we used extra sets, which might get me a little thrown and that's not ideal," said Sainz.

"But overall I feel strong with this car driving fast throughout the day, and now we can focus on uniting a strong day again on Saturday. But at least for Sunday's race, P3 is a great place to start the race."