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via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria – July 9, 2022 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates after winning the sprint race as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc celebrates after placing second Pool via REUTERS/Christian Bruna
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via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria – July 9, 2022 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates after winning the sprint race as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc celebrates after placing second Pool via REUTERS/Christian Bruna
In the treacherous rain-lashed setting of Spa-Francorchamps, the drama unfolded as F1 teams faced a challenging quali ahead of the Grand Prix. Amidst the rain-lashed circuit, Charles Leclerc defied his own past struggles in mixed conditions to secure a stunning pole position. However, even in the glow of success, Leclerc candidly admits to his biggest flaw, acknowledging that he still has a mountain to climb to match the unstoppable pace of Max Verstappen and Red Bull.
The rain-soaked Spa circuit tested the drivers’ skills to the limit during the opening day of action. With limited practice laps, teams had minimal long-run data, making the qualifying session a crucial factor in determining the grid positions for the Sprint Shoot-out and Sunday’s GP. Ferrari’s performance shone through the changeable conditions, but Leclerc couldn’t help but acknowledge the supremacy of the Red Bulls, expressing his admiration for Verstappen and his pace.
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via Imago
Start of the race: VERSTAPPEN Max ned, Red Bull Racing Honda RB16B, BOTTAS Valtteri fin, Mercedes AMG F1 GP W12 E Performance, HAMILTON Lewis gbr, Mercedes AMG F1 GP W12 E Performance, LECLERC Charles mco, Scuderia Ferrari SF21, action during Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2021 from March 26 to 28, 2021 on the Bahrain International Circuit, in Sakhir, Bahrain FORMULE 1 : Grand prix du Bahrein – Sakhir – Course – 28/03/2021 DPPI/Panoramic PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRAxITAxBEL
Despite securing a sensational pole position, according to formulapassion, Charles Leclerc remains grounded and reflects, “On mixed terrain I tended to ride a little too aggressively and made mistakes. Today I changed the approach and it seems to work. In Spain and Austria I didn’t feel very comfortable in the car in the wet, yes today. Sure this is good, but pole wasn’t possible today because Max was absolutely too fast , even though we could have been closer.”
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Read more: Naked Run Around Spa-Francorchamps Becomes a Reality as Charles Leclerc Puts Confused Tifosi at Ease
However, as ecstatic as Leclerc might be with his achievement, he humbly acknowledges that the pole position would not have been possible without Verstappen’s gearbox penalty. Leclerc concedes that Verstappen’s dominant pace, showcased by a remarkable 0.8s gap ahead of the rest of the field, made pole position an improbable goal.
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Charles Leclerc on Arch-rivals Contrasting Styles
The rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton has captivated fans worldwide. Charles Leclerc, as a keen observer and a fierce competitor, has had the privilege of witnessing and engaging in thrilling wheel-to-wheel battles with both drivers. Leclerc’s remarkable overtakes on Verstappen during last year’s Austrian GP showcased his determination and growing skill set. On the other hand, his tussles with Hamilton have often been more measured, with the Mercedes legend’s calculated approach earning Leclerc’s admiration for its strategic brilliance.
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via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria – July 10, 2022 Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc celebrates on the podium after winning the Austrian Grand Prix as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates after placing second and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates after placing third REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
Leclerc’s observations of Verstappen’s aggressive racing style highlight the Dutchman’s relentless pursuit of victory, often pushing the boundaries of regulations in daring maneuvers. In contrast, Hamilton’s more calculated approach, characterized by smart positioning and patient overtaking, impresses Leclerc, who recognizes the British driver’s ability to strategize for success.
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Who do you think will win the Belgian GP?
Watch this story: What has become an Incessant Problem for Charles Leclerc & Carlos Sainz in Ferrari’s F1 Challenger?
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