Charles Leclerc achieved the fastest lap time in the second qualifying session (Q2) but unfortunately fell short of securing pole position in the third qualifying session (Q3) by a margin of 0.228 seconds behind Max Verstappen.
The 2024 Formula 1 season has officially commenced with the conclusion of the qualifying session. Max Verstappen claimed pole position for the first race in Bahrain. Following closely behind, Charles Leclerc finished in second place during the qualifying session, narrowly missing out on pole position by a mere 0.228-second gap from the leader.
Consequently, Leclerc expressed his disappointment with the overall session and the missed opportunity to secure pole position. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the team had made progress compared to the previous season. In the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix, Leclerc failed to finish the race despite qualifying in third position. Therefore, a second-place qualifying result for the 2024 campaign was not the worst outcome for the Ferrari driver.
In addition, the 26-year-old hinted at being faster than pole-sitter Verstappen during the Q2 session and even recorded a quicker lap time than the Dutchman in Q3. However, using used tires during the Q3 session unintentionally hindered Leclerc’s qualifying performance. Consequently, this was a contributing factor to the Monegasque driver narrowly missing out on pole position for the season opener.
Red Bull has once again developed a dominant car for the 2024 Formula 1 campaign. As a result, many individuals, including Leclerc, anticipate the team’s likely dominance this season. Despite this, Leclerc remains hopeful of the SF24, Ferrari’s car for the 2024 season, showcasing impressive pace. The Monegasque driver previously mentioned that the car did not present any unpleasant surprises.
However, acknowledging Red Bull’s dominant pace, Leclerc accepts the team’s fate for the season. He is confident in Maranello’s improvement in pace compared to the previous season. Nevertheless, the driver raises concerns about Ferrari’s chances against Red Bull throughout the season, emphasizing the significant advantage the Milton Keynes-based team possesses in terms of pace.
Despite the formidable pace of Red Bull, the team remains determined and unwilling to give up. The Bahrain Grand Prix marks just the beginning of the exciting season ahead. Maranello is expected to demonstrate significant improvement as the season progresses. Additionally, during Leclerc’s final season with the team, he will push himself even harder to achieve exceptional results within the Ferrari camp.