Leclerc, Vettel agree: Mercedes up to their old tricks

Charles Leclerc was left in no doubt that Mercedes left lap time on the track during practice for the Belgian Grand Prix, after Ferrari looked to have made a dominant start at Spa-Francorchamps.

Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel topped a session each in Belgium on Friday, the Monegasque leading FP2 by six tenths of a second from his team-mate, with Mercedes a further two tenths off the pace.

However, Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton's race pace was the envy of the field, and Leclerc expects a much tighter affair come qualifying.

"After the holidays, a Friday like this is good. It has been a positive day," said Leclerc.

"Quali pace was strong, race pace a little bit less, so we need to work on the race pace, especially, for Sunday."

Asked if Mercedes could close the gap, Leclerc said: "For sure! I'm pretty sure they will.

"The second sector, they are very, very strong, and tomorrow, once they turn up their engines, they won't be that far [away] in the first sector, so they will be strong."

Vettel agreed with the Monegasque that Mercedes might have been hiding something, with Ferrari having topped plenty of practice sessions previously this year to little reward come the weekend.

"I don't think the margin is correct," Vettel said. "I don't know what the others are doing but we've seen a few times that we're quick on a Friday, so I'm not blinded by that.

"It's okay, I think it can be a bit better so we're working on it. It's a Friday, the reality is that it's a Friday. We have to wait until [Saturday] and especially Sunday when it matters.

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 News Today: Huge update on Sergio Perez future as team boss axed

• 6 minutes ago

Cadillac boss delivers huge statement on Sergio Perez's F1 future

• 23 minutes ago

Rachel Brookes confirmed for new role after shock Sky F1 TV exit

• 1 hour ago

Max Verstappen pledges he will still race at popular track despite F1 snub

• 3 hours ago

F1 president admits Max Verstappen talks as aggressive changes planned

• Today 12:28

McLaren chief issues 'Macarena' wing update as disappointment revealed

• Today 10:56