Charles Leclerc berates himself as "just not good enough" after "very inconsistent" qualifying

Leclerc at Portimao — Photo: © LAT Images

Ferrari

Leclerc berates himself as "just not good enough" after "very inconsistent" qualifying

Ferrari driver will start eighth in Portugal

Sam Hall

Saturday 1 May 2021 21:00

Charles Leclerc is hopeful of improving his performance for Sunday's Portuguese Grand Prix after conceding he was "just not good enough" in an unpredictable qualifying session.

Leclerc, who started the first two races of the year from fourth, could not complete the hat-trick in difficult conditions at Portimão and will start from eighth on the grid after failing to hook up his Ferrari in the top-10 shoot out.

Commenting on his qualifying performance, Leclerc said: "I've just not been good enough. I haven't driven the way I wanted and [was] very inconsistent. I have been very inconsistent throughout the whole of qualifying.

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"The wind was definitely tricky but that is the same for everyone and I just should have done a better job.

"I'm very happy about my Q2 because we managed to go through with a medium which was not easy but then in Q3 I just didn't do a good enough job."

As with a number of other drivers, Leclerc blamed the tricky conditions for his poor performance although he refused to use this as an excuse.

He added: "I could feel the wind but I just couldn't predict it. There are not really any excuses.

"Some drivers managed to drive around the wind but I didn't do it and some other drivers didn't do it and I just haven't done a good enough job."

Leclerc at least feels he has a potential advantage over his rivals in the race as he will start on the medium-compound tyre, giving him the confidence he can continue his strong early-season form.

"We are starting with the medium tyres which is a good tyre to start on," added Leclerc. "We are the first ones of the cars we are fighting to be starting on the medium.

"Hopefully, we can have a good start, not lose too many positions in the first few laps because they are very difficult to warm up, but after that, it should be a better tyre."