Charles Leclerc "scared" by Max Verstappen Zandvoort pace

Charles Leclerc, Dutch GP — Photo: © LAT Images

Dutch Grand Prix

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Leclerc "scared" by Verstappen Zandvoort pace

Leclerc fought back to finish marginally slower than Verstappen

Ewan Gale

Saturday 3 September 2022 17:05

Charles Leclerc has conceded Max Verstappen's speed early in Dutch Grand Prix qualifying was 'scary'.

The Red Bull driver took pole position by just 0.021secs from Leclerc, with Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz also within one-tenth of the pole time.

Verstappen was dominant in the early phases of the session and completed just one run in both Q1 and Q2, his pace in the first segment over half-a-second clear of the chasing pack after the initial laps.

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After running the reigning world champion to the closest qualifying margin of the season, Leclerc said: "Very very close. Max did a great lap in the end.

"Our car was getting better and better through qualifying. At the beginning, I was pretty scared because Max was much quicker than us on used tyres but in Q3, the car came a bit more together and I managed to do that lap which was close enough for P2.

"But tomorrow is the race and we will give it all."

Ferrari stronger than Belgian struggles

Ferrari struggled to match Red Bull in all facets during the Belgian Grand Prix last weekend but prospects seem stronger after Friday's high-fuel runs.

"We are much stronger here compared to last weekend, that is good to see," added Leclerc.

"For tomorrow, I think our race pace looks quite strong, it is going to be close with Red Bull.

"We need to do a great start and then we will see."