Charles Leclerc claims there wasn’t ‘much more than a P6’ in the SF-24 after disappointing Zandvoort quali session

Charles Leclerc has not looked in convincing shape to fight for wins since the last few races.

Charles Leclerc claims there wasn’t ‘much more than a P6’ in the SF-24 after disappointing Zandvoort quali session

Charles Leclerc (via: IMAGO, X/Ferrari, screenshot)

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc oozed every last bit of performance out of the SF-24 in the Dutch GP qualifying. Leclerc will now start the race in sixth place after a vastly difficult race weekend so far for the Maranello-based team.

Charles Leclerc has seen both sides of the coin this campaign. The Monegasque was exceptional at the start of the season, securing a dominant win in Monaco. He has since looked shaky in his efforts and currently finds himself third in the title race.

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Leclerc claimed that the team’s result on Saturday was an expected one. He also asserted that the qualifying was indeed disappointing and the team now relies on his shoulders to maximize the result on Sunday.

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Unfortunately, qualifying has not been as expected. P6, there wasn't much more in the car today, which is, of course, disappointing. For tomorrow, we just have to maximize the result, which on the paper means that we cannot do much more than P6.
Charles Leclerc said after the Dutch GP qualifying

The Maranello-based outfit starts P6 and P11 at the Dutch Grand Prix, desperately needing to find greater pace and balance in their SF-24. They will have to surpass the likes of McLaren and Red Bull in order to claim a potential podium finish at the Dutch GP.

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Charles Leclerc believes Ferrari can finish in the top three in Zandvoort

Ferrari appeared to struggle with persistent issues of bouncing and balance during the recent qualifying. However, Charles Leclerc has vouched to give it his all to rise to the front row starting the 72-lap race from sixth place on the grid.

Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)
Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)
The podium tomorrow would be a miracle, especially on a track like this. Our pace wasn't bad, but on this track it's hard to overtake. But I would never say never, tomorrow I'll put my helmet on and try to do everything I can.
Charles Leclerc via Sky Sports

The 26-year-old driver has talked about the challenging nature of Zandvoort, highlighting the difficulties in overtaking. Leclerc also claimed that the SF-24’s pace was good but did not appear sufficient to outpace Ferrari’s rivals in the coming race.

The six-time race winner has deemed a front-row finish on Sunday a miracle but has also stated that it’s possible. During the main Dutch GP, Leclerc will have to focus on making the right decisions to finish as high as possible.

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