Charles Leclerc on Devasting Start To 2023 Season After Retiring From Bahrain GP

The Ferrari driver has spoken about the issues which made him retire from the Bahrain GP.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc had a disappointing start to the season having to retire to the race on lap 41. 

The Monegasque driver encountered an engine issue whilst he was on track to finish in third place on the podium. 

During a post-race interview, Leclerc explained:

"I don't know. It's a shame but I don't know what to say. We didn't finish the race.

"We knew we would be on the back foot in terms of performance compared to Red Bull but it's a shame it's like this.

"I had a good start, then in second place for a few laps which was the best we could hope for. Then we got overtaken by Checo which was just a matter of time. They are in a league of their own in terms of speed. We couldn't challenge them but all of that doesn't matter because we didn't finish the race.

"In terms of race pace, we need to improve because we are sitting. They have obviously found something special. In qualifying, we are all close together, but in the race, they are often a second faster than us. They are really in a different category."