So, it is finally done. We had the very first ever Sprint Qualifying, or should we say the Sprint Shootout, and what a thrilling affair it turned out to be. Charles Leclerc continued his blistering run from yesterday’s qualifying and once again finished on pole. However, in search of that final quicker lap, the Monegasque crashed into the barriers ruining his teammate Carlos Sainz‘s chances of progressing further.
Ferrari did not start the season as per their plans. After finishing 2nd in the constructors’ championship last year, they hoped to come back stronger in 2023. However, the car simply lacked pace and had reliability issues as well. Resultantly, neither Charles nor Carlos could finish on the podium until now. That could change on Sunday given how well last year’s runner-up is performing in Baku.
Tifosi forgive Charles Leclerc for ruining Carlos Sainz’s chances of bettering his lap time
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Leclerc was already on the provisional pole before things started to heat up in the final moments of the SQ3. The Big 3- Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes drivers were all on hot laps hoping to better their timings. That was when Charles crashed into the barriers in the entry of Turn 5, causing yellow flags to come out.
This slowed his own teammate down who was behind him and ruined any chance that he had of jumping higher up in the starting grid for the Sprint Race. Realizing his mistake, Leclerc apologized to the team on the radio. He simply said in a regretful voice, “Ah sorry for Carlos.”
Ferrari fans, who are rejoicing after watching their star driver take two back-to-back poles, happily forgave him for it. Take a look at some reactions from Twitter.
Tbf if you keep getting poles in this shit box you can crash as much as you like (in quali)
— Joe (@yaserasprillas) April 29, 2023
This dude is literally the nicest human being ever
— L. (@bastoncinho) April 29, 2023
at least we’re on pole, charles! ❤️
— ً (@forsainz) April 29, 2023
Is he ok? And is the car ok?
— Sammyboyblue (@esbibi08) April 29, 2023
One fan felt the mood among the Tifosi would have been far different had Carlos been the guilty one instead of Charles.
If it was the other way around yall would be crucifying carlos on here😭😭 https://t.co/zkr4fgEw5z
— Reese race week🏎 (Lewis verison)4️⃣4️⃣ (@fasttcar) April 29, 2023
that's totally fine at least we're on pole !! ❤️ https://t.co/gujOrEkQWC
— zhara (@kizmmich) April 29, 2023
oh god i love him
— sole (@forleclerc16) April 29, 2023
ilovehim so much
— ° (@iildbdx) April 29, 2023
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Watch This Story: Charles Leclerc’s Stern Message to the Fans Breaching His Privacy
damn I love him https://t.co/h0XaogtTLI
— el hrts rey n em ⭐ (@matildrry) April 29, 2023
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What are your predictions for the Sprint Race that will take place later today?