Leclerc left ‘stunned’ by Verstappen’s dominance at Suzuka

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc admitted he was left “stunned” by Max Verstappen’s “crazy lap” in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix today, which saw the world champion take pole position at Suzuka.

Leclerc finished 4th in qualifying, almost 0.7 seconds behind Max, and the winner from Singapore – Carlos Sainz – only 6th, almost 1 second behind Verstappen.

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“It’s crazy, Max’s lap was crazy, Red Bull hit everything right from the first practice,” explained Leclerc. – We still have work to do on our performance in the first sector, as that is where we lose the most time.”

“I can’t say I’m happy or satisfied, but I’m happy with my ride,” the pilot said. – I did a really good lap and I don’t think I could have been faster in the third part of qualifying. It went well, but only 4th place, so I’m also a bit disappointed. Still, a great lap, but in the finish 4th and seven tenths of a second. The difference with Max came as a shock to me.”