close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US

Leclerc frustrated 'I got it wrong when it counted'

Photo: © LAT Images

Leclerc frustrated 'I got it wrong when it counted'

Leclerc will start Saturday's sprint second to Verstappen

Google Make us your Google favorite

F1 championship leader Charles Leclerc has expressed frustration at getting it wrong "when it counts" after missing out on pole position for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix sprint.

Leclerc had appeared to be the man to beat after comfortably topping FP1 at Imola and leading the way in the early stages of qualifying.

But an error on his first timed lap of Q3 eventually cost the Ferrari driver top spot on the grid after Kevin Magnussen, Valtteri Bottas and Lando Norris caused three of the five red flags overall throughout qualifying to be shown in the final session.

With rain also an issue, Leclerc said: "It was very tricky, especially on the slicks there were quite a lot of wet patches so it was all about getting the laps in for Q3 to put everything together.

"But again, this is why it was more frustrating for me because when it counts in Q3, I made the wrong choice.

"But it is life. We will learn from it and P2 is not a disaster. There is everything to play for tomorrow and after tomorrow and we will do everything."

After crossing the line to confirm his second-place starting position for the Saturday sprint, Leclerc added via team radio: "What a shame. I definitely had the pace."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Channel 4 F1 highlights today: How to watch the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix FREE

Channel 4 F1 highlights today: How to watch the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix FREE

  • 34 minutes ago
F1 Results Today: Austrian Grand Prix practice times and positions

F1 Results Today: Austrian Grand Prix practice times and positions

  • 1 hour ago
Watch out Lewis Hamilton, McLaren are ready to copy genius Ferrari idea

Watch out Lewis Hamilton, McLaren are ready to copy genius Ferrari idea

  • 2 hours ago
Fernando Alonso hits out at Aston Martin 'abuse'

Fernando Alonso hits out at Aston Martin 'abuse'

  • 3 hours ago
George Russell announces major contract news: 'I can confirm 100 percent'

George Russell announces major contract news: 'I can confirm 100 percent'

  • Today 11:57
Max Verstappen 'in secret talks with McLaren' about stunning F1 team switch

Max Verstappen 'in secret talks with McLaren' about stunning F1 team switch

  • Today 10:57

Just in

15:45
Channel 4 F1 highlights today: How to watch the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix FREE
14:34
F1 Results Today: Austrian Grand Prix practice times and positions
13:57
Watch out Lewis Hamilton, McLaren are ready to copy genius Ferrari idea
12:57
Fernando Alonso hits out at Aston Martin 'abuse'
11:57
George Russell announces major contract news: 'I can confirm 100 percent'
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

Channel 4 F1 highlights today: How to watch the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix FREE F1 Austrian Grand Prix

Channel 4 F1 highlights today: How to watch the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix FREE

34 minutes ago
Fernando Alonso hits out at Aston Martin 'abuse' Aston Martin F1

Fernando Alonso hits out at Aston Martin 'abuse'

3 hours ago
FIA confirms it will review Red Bull complaint over controversial upgrades decision Red Bull

FIA confirms it will review Red Bull complaint over controversial upgrades decision

Today 08:45
Red Bull have already 'found their next Max Verstappen' Red Bull

Red Bull have already 'found their next Max Verstappen'

Yesterday 22:28
Ontdek het op Google Play
x