Ferrari aim to 'spring a surprise' with Dutch GP "risk"

Leclerc in his Ferrari at Zandvoort — Photo: © LAT Images

Dutch Grand Prix

Ferrari aim to 'spring a surprise' with Dutch GP "risk"

Ferrari ended Friday one-two with Leclerc and Sainz

Sam Hall

Friday 3 September 2021 20:15

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc is hoping to surprise the established order in qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix after topping Friday practice.

Leclerc, who has twice claimed pole position this season in Monaco and Azerbaijan, spearheaded a Scuderia one-two as F1 returned to Zandvoort for the first time since 1985.

Leclerc posted a lap of one minute 10.902secs to finish 0.154s ahead of Sainz, with Alpine's Esteban Ocon a surprise third quickest on the timesheet.

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Asked if Ferrari could spring a surprise this weekend, Leclerc said: “I really hope so. It is a track where risk rewards you. In qualifying everything is possible.

“We will give it our best with Carlos, we are pushing each other in every session so hopefully we can benefit from that in qualifying.

"I’m pretty sure the top teams have something more but compared to our direct competitors, we are looking good.”

Ferrari to capitalise on Red Bull-Mercedes mistakes

Whilst Sainz was equally energised by Ferrari's strong Friday showing, the Spaniard remained grounded with his expectations for qualifying when asked if the team would "create a stir".

“We’re going to try to, definitely, but I wouldn’t expect a Monaco here," said Sainz.

"We see in the long runs that Mercedes and Red Bull are quicker but we want to be right behind them if we can, especially as we feel a bit closer than in previous weekends.

"We want to maximise every opportunity they give us if they make a mistake. We’re going to try our best and today the important feeling is that the car was working well.”