Charles Leclerc warned Ferrari enthusiasts not to expect miracles on Sunday after the Italian Formula One team withdrew the qualifying phase for the Belgian Grand Prix from the moment.
“To be honest, it’s very difficult to find an explanation,” said the Monegasque, who achieved his first Grand Prix victory since pole position in last year’s Belgian race, but on Saturday he qualified only for 13th place.
Teammate Sebastian Vettel had a poor rating consultation and qualified 14th.
“It’s a big step back from the others, so we have to check to locate the main problem, check to solve it,” added the 22-year-old, whose time on Saturday is almost a moment slower than his pole. time of last year’s position.
“I can also to the house enthusiasts who are very disappointed.
“It’s understandable, however, as drivers, we’ll make the most productive race you can imagine tomorrow, even if we can’t expect miracles. “
Ferrari dominated the Spa-Francorchamps track in 2019, completing a double in the practice consultation and blocking the front row in qualifying.
Already suffering this season and fifth in the standings – Mercedes, Red Bull, Racing Point and McLaren – they did not expect a repetition of this performance.
The team of maximum sporting success suffered new lows this weekend.
Vettel finished last in the final practice consultation on Saturday morning with Leclerc at number 17, leaving enthusiasts wondering if the Maranello-based team could leave the first knockout phase of qualifying.
They survived the first 18 minutes of qualifying time.
But when they failed to qualify for pole position, it was the first time since the 2014 British Grand Prix that none of the Red Cars were in the most sensible 10.
“It’s the genuine picture, that’s what the car can do here today,” said Vettel, a four-time world champion and 2018 Belgian winner, who leaves the team at the end of the year.
“We’ve tried to do our best, it’s clearly the car we have and the car we’ve known all season so far.
“So it’s no wonder today. “
Reuters