Leclerc Frustrated by Ferrari's Sprint Performance

Charles Leclerc expressed frustration with Ferrari's performance during Sprint qualifying at the Qatar Grand Prix, where he finished fifth, closely followed by teammate Carlos Sainz in fourth. This outcome was disappointing, especially after Leclerc had topped the charts in the initial practice session, raising expectations for the team. Both drivers struggled to match their earlier pace, ultimately falling short against competitors, particularly from McLaren and Mercedes, which poses a challenge as they vie for the Constructors' Championship.

Leclerc acknowledged the gap between their expectations and the qualifying results, indicating that the performance was a stark reminder of their current standing. Sainz highlighted issues with his car's handling, specifically understeer and difficulties caused by dirty air, which affected his performance. Despite these challenges, Sainz remained hopeful, pointing to potential improvements in car balance as they prepare for the Sprint and the main race, and both drivers are optimistic that favorable conditions could lead to better outcomes.