Despite having a shambolic qualifying session on Saturday, Sunday’s performance, combined with Ferrari’s strategy, was enough to make Charles Leclerc a “happy” man after the recently concluded Canadian Grand Prix.
After a dismal qualification, where he couldn’t find Q3 and qualified in P11, Sunday’s race result showed much-improved efforts from the driver and his team.
At the Canadian GP, the Italian team’s strategy was on point, as both Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished in P4 and P5 respectively, despite starting at P10 and P11.
Furthermore, this has been the best finish by the 25-year-old this season after the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he finished on the podium. After the race, Leclerc revealed that he was happy with the result.
Charles Leclerc is happy with the Canadian GP result
With the Prancing Horse being relatively weak on strategic calls, it is believed that the Monegasque wasn’t expecting much from the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve race, added to the recent exit rumors.
However, with a decision to have one less pit stop than their rivals, the Maranello-based team made it possible to bring both cars into the points, making both drivers content, especially Leclerc.
Sunday in Montréal 🇨🇦#CanadianGP pic.twitter.com/i2OPvB6prW
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) June 18, 2023
The Ferrari star conveyed in the post-race interview, “I think we couldn’t have done anything better. The feeling was good, the pace was quite good. So on that, I’m happy.”
“Again, starting from that far behind, that was the best we could do today,” said the Monegasque. With the double points finish, the Prancing Horse is now right in the mix to lock horns with Mercedes and Aston Martin to make it a three-way battle.
Is Ferrari back in the race with Mercedes and Aston Martin?
After the Canadian GP results, the hopes are expected to be high in the Maranello garage. However, will that be enough to challenge the likes of Aston Martin or Mercedes?
Admittedly, keeping aside their weak strategy, the Italian team also has a disadvantage when it comes to their SF-23. When pitted against the likes of W14 or AMR23, the Red car has more tire wear than its competitors.
But the Canadian GP was different, as they had one less pit stop before they crossed the finish line. Now, with the Austrian GP two weeks ahead, adrenaline will be high for the team and for Charles Leclerc as they return to the Red Bull Ring, where he won last year.
