Charles Leclerc won't repeat "stupid" error and underestimate Ferrari again

Leclerc, Ferrari, Azerbaijan — Photo: © LAT Images

French Grand Prix

Leclerc won't repeat "stupid" error and underestimate Ferrari again

Leclerc predicted Ferrari would struggle in Baku before securing pole

Ian Parkes & Sam Hall

Thursday 17 June 2021 18:45

Charles Leclerc has branded himself "stupid" after underestimating the one-lap pace of Ferrari last time out in Azerbaijan.

After securing a shock pole position in Monaco, Leclerc stated ahead of the Baku weekend that he expected Ferrari to return to its "normal" midfield position.

This was far from the case, however, as the Monégasque driver recorded back-to-back qualifying successes.

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“I feel quite stupid to have said that," joked Leclerc. "But it was really a big surprise in Baku to be as competitive as we were, especially in qualifying.

"In the race, it was a bit back to where we expected to be but I feel like it is going to be a bit more of a normal weekend this weekend on a normal track, not a city track."

Although the run-off areas this weekend at Paul Ricard allow for a far greater margin of error than the unforgiving concrete walls of Baku, Leclerc regretfully said the circuit does not play to the strengths of the Scuderia.

“There are a lot more medium-speed corners where we normally struggle a little bit more so I expect things to be a bit more like the race in Baku," said Leclerc.

“But hopefully I am wrong like I was in Baku and we are much quicker than we thought.”

Leclerc's 'second home race'

After failing to start his home race in Monaco, Leclerc is set to enjoy a reprieve of sorts at Paul Ricard, a circuit situated just a two-hour drive from the principality.

“It feels very close to a home race," he said. "I started karting only 45 minutes from here so I still remember exactly when I did these first few laps where I fell in love with racing."

With 15,000 fans for each day of the race weekend, Leclerc added: "It feels special to be here and there will also be some people in the grandstands which will be great to see so I am looking forward to this weekend.”