The fact that Max Verstappen would receive a penalty for changing the gearbox was made clear prior to the Belgian GP qualifying. Consequently, all of the grid drivers’ sole solution to make their qualifying respectable was to try to finish in second place. And this is exactly what Charles Leclerc was able to do with his masterclass at Spa Francorchamps. The Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur, however, has thought of something that has led him to ruin the party even though the Monegasque is in pole position.

After two difficult weekends at the British Grand Prix and the Hungarian Grand Prix, the Ferrari camp had something to celebrate at the Belgian track. Leclerc’s pole position makes things look good for the Prancing Horses, as opposed to last time when both of its drivers finished outside the top five. However, considering the lightning-quick driving of Verstappen and Co. and the fact that Sergio Perez will start the race on Sunday alongside the Monegasque things might not go in Ferrari’s favor.

Highlighting the same Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur has highlighted a caution for his boys. While chatting to Sky Sports F1 as per Formula Passion, the Frenchman initially said, “ In terms of positions it is a good outcome for the team. “ Later while explaining the scenario from switching to slicks after the downpour prompted them to put on inters, he added, ” I think it was a very complicated session because each time we only had one lap available, we went from intermediate to slick and, not having done free practice in the morning, it was tricky.”

While nearing the end of his conversation the 55-year-old shed light on the single reason behind playing the role of party popper, “A good result in terms of positions, but a bit different if we look at Verstappen’s time, but we will have to understand all this margin.” [Translated Via Google]

Given Verstappen’s blistering pace, it seems Vasseur has remained vastly cautious. However, later the Ferrari boss came to a conclusion by rationally justifying his earlier claim. He said, “Last week I said that with a gap of one or two-tenths, you can go from 2nd place to 5th, and this can generate a good result or a disaster. This means staying focused, calm down and making the most of what we have. Tonight we will have a lot of work to do to analyze the data so that we can then prepare in the best way for tomorrow. We can be optimistic.”

READ MORE: I Love Ferrari”: Charles Leclerc Shuts Rumor Mill, Despite a Mysterious Coffee Date With Toto Wolff

Despite the fact that Charles Leclerc is on the pole, the dread that Max Verstappen has instilled throughout the track appears to be having an effect on the Monegasques as instead of being “optimistic”, Charles Leclerc has opted to be “realistic.”

Why despite being on the pole did Charles Leclerc opt to be “realistic?”

Max Verstappen has remained largely in another racing league after 2021. The fact that the Dutchman has a lightning-fast RB19 and has timed every lap and race to perfection made it clear to other drivers that there is little chance of any other driver besides Max Verstappen being on the top step of the podium. Going ahead with a similar notion when Charles Leclerc was asked whether he could take Verstappen’s penalty and move up to pole, he said, “Let’s be realistic, I don’t think so. Red Bull is too quick. Even if Max has a five-place grid penalty, I expect him to catch up.”

And it wasn’t just Verstappen who’s fear the 25-year-old has it was also Checo Perez who might be a tough man to be beat according to the Ferrari driver as he continued and said, “We’ve got Checo right next to us, which will also be difficult to keep behind. It will be difficult. If there is an opportunity, I’ll try to keep it, but it looks difficult on paper.”

Despite the dark cloud running over the top of the Sprint weekend do you think Charles Leclerc and company can challenge Max Verstappen and recover Ferrari’s illustrious past?

WATCH THIS STORY | How Long Will Charles Leclerc Wait for Ferrari – Will He Leave for Some Other team Post-2024?