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Charles Leclerc

Leclerc pushed to risk-taking in Abu Dhabi after Ferrari error

Matthew Scott

Matthew Scott Saturday 30 November 2019 16:17

Charles Leclerc says he will have to take risks if he is to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after being denied a shot at pole position by a Ferrari strategy error.

In truth, the Scuderia were unlikely to pip Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton to pole, but Leclerc can only wonder after he failed to make it to the chequered flag in time at the end of Q3.

Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto admitted the pit-wall had "screwed up" in an attempt to get Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel on the track at the end of the session when it would be at its grippiest.

But Vettel made an error at the first corner, meaning the third row will house both red cars, Leclerc one place ahead of his team-mate.

"I have no idea but it's life, sometimes it happens," Leclerc told Sky Sports.

"I don't know if the situation was unlucky or if we could have done anything better, but we will analyse it and try to understand for it to not happen again because it's a big shame."

Asked if victory remains in his sights, Leclerc added: "Yes, definitely, and I will take quite a bit of risk at the start I think.

"I need to take some risks. I need to finish in front of Max for the championship so, in the end, I will give it all and see what happens."

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