Charles Leclerc gives a ‘MIRACLE’ verdict post extremely unlucky qualifying outing for Abu Dhabi
Charles Leclerc will now start in P19 despite being on pole position moments before getting knocked out in Q2.
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Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc was knocked out in Q2 during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday. He will now start P19 after a 10-place grid penalty as he had opted for a new energy store (ES) for the weekend.
Charles Leclerc arrived at the Yas Marina circuit looking to help his team clinch the constructors’ title this season. However, after facing issues in FP1 with power input, the 27-year-old was compelled to use a new ES.
Leclerc nonetheless gave his best efforts and notched P1 during the final seconds of Q2. However, his lap time was unfortunately deleted for breaching track limits, which slipped him down to P14, thus knocking him out.
I believe in miracles. Sometimes again, it makes our life very difficult, that’s for sure. With the 10-place grid penalty, it was always going to be difficult, but I see an opportunity to do something very special, and I’ll do my best to do it. And I’ll believe in it until the very last lap, everything can happen.
Charles Leclerc via motorsport.com
The Monegasque driver now believes that only a miracle can help him put forth a good run on Sunday. As it stands, McLaren remains the favorite to clinch the constructors’ championship heading into the Abu Dhabi GP.
McLaren believes Charles Leclerc is still a threat in Abu Dhabi
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella was overjoyed with his team’s successful run in qualifying. The Woking-based team set the pace around the tricky Yas Marina circuit to qualify P1 and P2 for Sunday’s race.
Leclerc? For example, he will have the opportunity to vary to try to make up ground. Ferrari has a very fast driver and car in him, so we don’t trust the fact that he starts from the back.
Andrea Stella said after the Abu Dhabi GP qualifying
Stella: Leclerc? For example, he will have the opportunity to vary to try to make up ground. Ferrari has a very fast driver and car in him, so we don't trust the fact that he starts from the back.
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) December 7, 2024
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Andrea Stella nevertheless still considers Charles Leclerc a threat despite the latter starting behind the grid. He believes that Ferrari’s SF-24 is capable of helping Leclerc pull off a major upset in the 58-lap Abu Dhabi GP.
The Woking-based team currently has a 21-point lead over the Maranello-based team. Carlos Sainz, who starts P3, will make attempts to disrupt the Papayas’ perfect start on Sunday. As for Formula 1 fans, an exciting finale awaits them in Abu Dhabi.
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Yashraj Chowdhury
(599 Articles Published)