Charles Leclerc said Ferrari was “back to reality” from topping FP1 to an underwhelming performance in Sprint Qualifying at the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix.
Leclerc topped the only practice session at the Lusail International Circuit on Friday with Carlos Sainz a handy fourth place.
However, in Sprint Qualifying, Ferrari wasn’t able to convert its chart-topping pace from earlier in the day, with Sainz fourth and Leclerc fifth.
With Ferrari’s Constructors’ fight with McLaren, Leclerc was rightfully disheartened to finish behind polesitter Lando Norris and third-placed Oscar Piastri.
“When you give it all, obviously, and we only think P4 and P5, it’s not great, considering how important this weekend is for us,” Leclerc said.
“But let’s say that, for whatever reason, FP1 was a lot above our expectations.
“This, I would say, is in line with what we expected, so we’re coming back to reality.
“Obviously, after FP1, there were hopes that we could do something better, but we didn’t.
“We are not in the best position, but we never know. It’s always different on the coming race day.”
Carlos Sainz tried not to read into FP1 form ahead of Qatar Sprint Qualifying
Sainz admitted that he tries to avoid pinning his hopes on FP1 results and his methodology was justified on Friday.
The Spaniard spoke of Ferrari being fearful its rivals would turn the tables on the Scuderia into Sprint Qualifying and that is exactly what happened with two McLarens and one Mercedes pipping the scarlet red machines.
“I never really try and read too much into FP1, because you never know the fuel loads and engine modes the other ones are running,” Sainz explained.
“The good news is that the car was feeling better in terms of balance than expected.
“Obviously, the timesheets were reflecting that, but we went into Quali still worried that our rivals could be quick around here, and that’s what we saw.
“I think, anyway, we didn’t maximise our package. Even though the lap was clean, it was just a lap with a lot of understeer in the car.
“I just couldn’t turn the car, basically, for the whole lap.
“It was also a tough lap, because it was my only chance to put a lap, so I couldn’t risk it too much with track limits, which meant that, because I missed the previous lap, I just had to make sure I was getting a lap in.”
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