Charles Leclerc throws shade at Max Verstappen following the Ferrari driver’s ‘bittersweet’ defeat in the Austrian GP qualifiers

Charles Leclerc not satisfied with front row start at the Austrian GP after a gap of 0.048 seconds to Max Verstappen.

Charles Leclerc throws shade at Max Verstappen following the Ferrari driver’s ‘bittersweet’ defeat in the Austrian GP qualifiers

Charles Leclerc (image via wtf1), Max Verstappen (image via SBNation)

Charles Leclerc managed to defy expectations during Qualifying at the Austrian GP. The Monegasque driver will start the race from the front row after putting a lap just 0.048 seconds off Max Verstappen. The 25-year-old might have closed the gap to the two-time world champion, but Leclerc remains hungry for more against the Dutch driver.

The Ferrari driver had a decent result during Qualifying but insisted that he was not happy. Leclerc clarified that he is here to win and not stay second. He said, “I’m never happy when I’m second. I’m only happy when I’m first.” As such, the 25-year-old hinted that there is still a lot of work left for Maranello to truly challenge the reigning world champion.

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Moreover, Leclerc reaffirmed that despite the positive result in Qualifying, there is still more left to achieve. The Monegasque driver stated, “Bittersweet. Very close to Max but not enough.” The 25-year-old is keen on not only closing up to the two-time world champion but to defeat him on track with a car capable of battling the Red Bull RB-19.

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Can Charles Leclerc win the Austrian GP once again?

Charles Leclerc on the Austrian GP podium in 2022 (image via Times of India)
Charles Leclerc on the Austrian GP podium in 2022 (image via Times of India)

Charles Leclerc won the 2022 Austrian GP. This is the last race victory for the Monegasque driver in F1. Team Ferrari fell behind Red Bull throughout that season. The Scuderia failed to challenge Milton Keynes at the start of this year. However, the Italian team has reduced its pace deficit to the reigning world champions in the last few rounds.

Leclerc and his teammate Carlos Sainz have insisted that Ferrari be behind Red Bull regarding race pace. So much so that Maranello was surprised to find itself in close competition with Verstappen for pole position, this could leave an opportunity for the Monegasque driver to pull a repeat of his last win and stand on the top step once again.

Thus, Charles Leclerc has clarified that he intends to win in Formula 1. The 25-year-old is unsatisfied with a front-row start behind Max Verstappen despite a margin of only 0.048 seconds. However, it remains to be seen if Leclerc can channel his determination on track and finally win a race again after a massive gap of a year since his last victory.

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