Ferrari lack of pace in practice deceptive, says Leclerc

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc believes that his team didn’t show his true pace and expects to be a lot closer to leaders Red Bull in Sunday’s race.

Leclerc was hit with a 10-place grid penalty after fitting new ICE and MGU-H and his car is obviously running a different setup than usual to allow the Monegasque to make his way through the field.

In his showing in front of the media, Leclerc didn’t not seem too bothered that Ferrari finished both sessions in the middle of the pack. The 25-year emphasized that the Italian team had extra pace in his pocket.

“Well, I don’t think we are that bad, honestly, the feeling is pretty good, but very difficult to read into the performance because everybody’s doing very different things with power, weight, etcetera – probably more different than other years.

“So it’s a bit more difficult to read the Friday free practice sessions. But the feeling was quite okay and the race pace seems to be better than Bahrain, so that’s positive,” said Leclerc.

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“We have quite a bit in the locker – [as for] how much, let’s see. I am sure Red Bull also have something still hidden so we’ll see tomorrow. But I think it will be closer than what it is for now.”

Leclerc’s teammate Carlos Sainz left similiar impression, as he also suggested that Ferrari have a lot more pace.

“I personally feel a bit closer than in Bahrain. Obviously, engine modes and the position today doesn’t reflect our true pace. In the long runs, we definitely look a bit more competitive, so I’m more positive going into the weekend…” said Sainz.

“Yes… obviously Red Bull are clear favourites, but in terms of pace and overall feeling, I feel a bit closer; it’s just not [clear] if it’s enough to be in the podium or to battle the top; we will see on Saturday.”