Leclerc says new set-up approach has made car stronger
Austrian Grand Prix poleman Charles Leclerc believes a different set-up philosophy has given him a "stronger front" on his Ferrari Formula 1 car than in previous races.
Ferrari has been searching for more performance with its 2019 challenger, and is exploring new aerodynamic solutions that involve trading some of its straightline speed performance for greater downforce.
Even though it must wait to bring upgrades that can achieve that, Leclerc was able to give Ferrari its third pole of the season by dominating qualifying for the Austrian GP at the Red Bull Ring.
Leclerc's pole lap was underpinned by the fastest time in the middle sector, which comprises more corners, compared to the first sector which is the run to Turn 1 and then the long uphill climb to Turn 3.
Asked by Motorsport.com to explain that middle sector performance, Leclerc said: "I think our main issue in the last few grands prix was the front. We didn't have enough front [end].
"I think this weekend it was quite a bit better, we tried quite different set-ups and also set-up philosophy. It doesn't mean a big step up for the other races but for here it worked pretty well.
"I think the most time gained on the second sector is a stronger front compared to the last grands prix."
Leclerc outqualified Hamilton by 0.259s and set two laps good enough for pole position.
He said his improvement in Q3 was down to a further set-up tweak that gave him more performance in the middle part of the lap. "We changed a little bit the car after the first run in Q3," he said.
"I knew it would be a bit of a compromise for the first sector but actually it wasn't that bad and then I improved quite a lot in third sector which is nice to see."
Ferrari's pace in final practice and the second part of qualifying suggested it could have locked out the front row with Sebastian Vettel.
However, the four-time world champion failed to set a time in Q3 after an engine-related problem.
Leclerc said: "I'm very happy for pole position but it's just a shame for Seb as probably the two cars should be closer to first and second. I was informed he had some issues with [Vettel's] car.
"They didn't feel concern on my side. I don't know if they were, maybe they were behind the computers. But they weren't showing it to me."
Despite trading off some straightline speed, Leclerc believes Ferrari has the pace to avenge his heartbreaking Bahrain GP – when he was on course for a first F1 win but suffered an engine issue late on.
"The start is important, there is a long straight after it but normally we are quite good on the straights," said Leclerc. "Hopefully we can keep the position in the first three corners, but the pace itself looks promising."
Previous article
Verstappen admits Red Bull stronger than expected
Next article
Hamilton: Mercedes "definitely underestimated" Ferrari's pace
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Event | Austrian GP |
| Drivers | Charles Leclerc |
| Teams | Ferrari |
| Author | Scott Mitchell |
How Do Drivers Stay Fit For F1 Grand Prix?
Ronnie Peterson and Jochen Rindt Tribute
#ThinkingForward with Juan Pablo Montoya
The themes to watch in F1's Imola return
Three weeks is a long time in Formula 1, but in the reshaped start to the 2021 season the teams head to Imola to pick things up after the frenetic Bahrain opener. Here's what to look out for and the developments to follow at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
The 'new' F1 drivers who need to improve at Imola
After a pandemic-hit winter of seat-swapping, F1 kicked off its season with several new faces in town, other drivers adapting to new environments, and one making a much-anticipated comeback. Ben Anderson looks at who made the most of their opportunity and who needs to try harder…
The delay that quashed Aston Martin’s last F1 venture
Aston Martin’s only previous foray into Formula 1 in the late 1950s was a short-lived and unsuccessful affair. But it could have been so different, says Nigel Roebuck.
Verstappen exclusive: Why lack of titles won't hurt Red Bull's ace
Max Verstappen’s star quality in Formula 1 is clear. Now equipped with a Red Bull car that is, right now, the world title favourite and the experience to support his talent, could 2021 be the Dutchman’s year to topple the dominant force of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes?
Is Formula 1 as good as it has ever been now?
For many, many years Formula 1 has strived to do and to be better on all fronts. With close competition, a growing fanbase, a stable political landscape and rules in place to encourage sustainability, 2021 is on course to provide an unexpected peak
How Williams’ new structure adheres to a growing F1 trend
Williams held out against the tide for many years but, as MARK GALLAGHER explains, the age of the owner-manager is long gone
When a journeyman driver's F1 career lasted just 800m
Nikita Mazepin’s Formula 1 debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix lasted mere corners before he wiped himself out in a shunt, but his financial backing affords him a full season. Back in 1993 though, Marco Apicella was an F1 driver for just 800m before a first corner fracas ended his career. Here’s the story of his very short time at motorsport’s pinnacle.
How Raikkonen's rapid rise stalled his teammate's F1 career climb
Kimi Raikkonen's emergence as a Formula 1 star in his rookie campaign remains one of the legendary storylines from 2001, but his exploits had an unwanted impact on his Sauber teammate's own prospects. Twenty years on from his first F1 podium at the Brazilian GP, here's how Nick Heidfeld's career was chilled by the Iceman.
