Charles Leclerc Explains Why He Ended Qualifying Early Ahead of Bahrain Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc reveals why he is still optimistic for the race tomorrow.

Charles Leclerc will be starting in third place on the grid for the Bahrain Grand Prix tomorrow. Fans saw the Ferrari driver get out of the SF-23 early in Q3 of the Qualifying session, which he has now explained was a strategical choice to be able to start the race tomorrow on new tyres instead of used.

Speaking to David Coulthard in his post-qualifying interview, the Monegasque driver explained:

"There wasn't any issue. I think we were in the fight for pole which was a good surprise to be honest because I did not expect that after testing and after the free practices that were a little bit difficult .

"We managed to find that pace for the qualifying lap which was great. However, we need to keep in our mind that in the race, we seem to be a little bit on the backfoot compared to Red Bull.

"And I think we are in a better place starting third with new tyres than starting first with old."

When asked how he felt about the field being much closer together, Leclerc responded:

"Yes. I hope it will also be like that on the race. It was very, very close.

"We are much closer than what we expected, which is looking good for the future. I think it makes Formula One more exciting. So I'm looking forward to the rest of the races."

Coulthard pointed out that the Ferrari driver has a "glint in his eye" and asked if he felt positively about tomorrow, Leclerc responded:

"Having a new tyre will help us tomorrow. But I don't know how much the picture will change with that but it's going in the right direction at least."

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez will be starting on the front row tomorrow in the Red Bull's.