Charles Leclerc says he will adopt a “full attack mode” in Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix, as he prepares to take the start from 14th place on the grid.
Leclerc entered the weekend facing a 10-place grid penalty due to taking a fresh Internal Combustion Engine after his Austin failure.
The Monegasque has a season-best seven pole positions but took only fourth during Q3 at Interlagos, meaning he will drop down to 14th.
“I don’t think pole was out of reach today,” said Leclerc, who will start on the Medium tyres after using them for his fastest Q2 effort.
“I am very disappointed with myself today, I did quite a big mistake on my first timed lap in the first corner which cost me at least three tenths, so yeah, it’s my fault and I take it completely.
“The team did a great job, the car was there to fight for pole at least and I didn’t do the job in the car.
“So disappointed, but anyway I have 10-places grid penalty for tomorrow so it was always going to be a difficult day.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s race, Leclerc explained that he will take “full attack mode. This I enjoy, starting at the back, but I enjoy it a little less when I’m fighting for third in the championship!
“But it’s life and I’ll try and enjoy it as much as possible and fight back.”
Leclerc holds a 14-point advantage over Red Bull rival Max Verstappen, who will start from pole position, with front-row starter and team-mate Sebastian Vettel a further five points behind.
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