Despite “Sh*t Job”, Charles Leclerc Hunts Down Fernando Alonso’s Record in Elite List at Las Vegas GP

Rain one day and sunshine on another. That’s exactly what Charles Leclerc’s last two F1 race weekends have been like. Remember how the Monegasque was out of the race in Brazil even before it actually started when he crashed on the formation lap? Well, it has been quite a turnaround for him in Las Vegas as he clinched the pole and chased Fernando Alonso’s record to join the elite list. But what record?

Coming into the Las Vegas GP, there were many questions about the tires and what teams would fare well in the sin city. However, many pundits and fans expected Ferrari to be quick as they’re harsher on their tires which is an advantage in Las Vegas. And that’s exactly what we saw in the practice sessions and now in the qualifying as well. Charles Leclerc took the pole position and Carlos Sainz finished in P2 less than a half a tenth away from his teammate. 

By taking this pole position, Charles Leclerc also surpassed Fernando Alonso in the history books. Fernando Alonso, over his F1 career that spans over 2 decades managed a total of 22 poles. Charles Leclerc at the age of 26 was able to beat Alonso’s record as his pole in Las Vegas was his 23rd pole of his career. And all this came despite Leclerc being unhappy with his Q3 laps. 

Charles Leclerc was heard over the radio expressing his anger to the team on how he wasn’t happy with the laps that put him on the provisional pole. Leclerc was heard on the radio saying, “I did a really sh*t job!”

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Nonetheless, all that matters is that Leclerc was quicker than everyone else. But the frustration of not putting the best lap in was evident on Charles Leclerc’s face and in comments during the post-race interviews. Let’s see what the Monegasque said. 

Charles Leclerc dissatisfied with his performances in Q3 

Charles Leclerc’s fastest lap in Q2 and Q3 were within a tenth of each other. Considering how the Las Vegas Strip Street Circuit ramped up by the minute, it was clear that Leclerc’s lap in Q3 wasn’t the best that he put out today. The frustration of the same was heard in Leclerc’s comments. Nonetheless, all’s well that ends well. However, Leclerc did seem unsure about his pace come Sunday. 

During the post-race interview, Charles Leclerc said, “A bit disappointed with my laps in Q3. I didn’t do a good enough job but it was good enough for P1 so that’s all we need. Now full focus on tomorrow to try and put everything together in the race. Normally that’s where we lack the most performance so I hope we can put it all together and win here.”

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Leclerc doesn’t like to compromise, given he knows his potential. While the season was over in terms of championship hopes long ago for the 26-year-old, he hopes to at least take a consolation win in Vegas after suffering across the year. What do you think, can Leclerc end his 16-month drought of a race win?