Charles Leclerc planning "to use" Max Verstappen in Russian GP

Charles Leclerc in Russian GP practice — Photo: © LAT Images

Russian Grand Prix

Leclerc planning "to use" Verstappen in Russian GP

Leclerc will start from the back of the grid after introducing a new power unit

Ewan Gale

Friday 24 September 2021 20:18

Charles Leclerc has revealed he will try "to use" Max Verstappen during Sunday's Russian Grand Prix in a bid to make up places from the back of the grid.

Both drivers will start on the back row at the Sochi Autodrom following power unit changes, but with Verstappen last due to an additional three-place penalty for his collision with Lewis Hamilton in the Italian GP.

At a circuit where overtaking is possible, there is the opportunity for Ferrari's Leclerc and Red Bull driver Verstappen to finish in the points.

Article continues under video

Asked if he could work together with Verstappen to regain positions during the race, Leclerc replied: "Hopefully but it might be a bit easier for him.

"He is quite a bit quicker than us, but I will try to use him and overtake cars behind him, although it is a very difficult track to overtake.

"I tried during FP2 and it was very difficult so let's see, we never know. I will try to give my best but it may be a difficult race on Sunday."

Ferrari's "big change" could provide big gain for Leclerc

Leclerc believes practice at least confirmed the new PU upgrade is an improvement on the previous specification.

The Scuderia has updated its hybrid system for Leclerc only this weekend, with Carlos Sainz expected to receive the upgrade at a later date.

Assessing the first day of running, Leclerc said: "It went very good. It was a positive day.

"It is a big change for everyone, for the mechanics, for us it is a new part so it is good to see that everything was working as expected and now we have been focusing mostly on the race because qualifying, we will be starting last anyway.

"We have done a good job today by taking as much information as we could.

"I feel that it [the upgrade] is a little bit better which is great and the data confirms it. It is great to feel it and great to see it."