P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Charles Leclerc remains optimistic for the Mexico City Grand Prix, even if his qualifying performance has made his race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez more “difficult” than it might have been.
Charles Leclerc remains optimistic for the Mexico City Grand Prix, despite challenges in qualifying at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez where he will start fourth behind Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and teammate Carlos Sainz who claimed pole position. Leclerc pushed his Ferrari to the limit during Q3, acknowledging the lost time due to his sliding in the middle sector. Despite lacking pace, he took risks in his final lap, emphasizing the need for grip and the right car feeling. Leclerc admits struggling with low-grip tracks during qualifying but finds hope in his strong race simulations. While expecting a tougher challenge starting from fourth position, he remains hopeful for a better race outcome compared to the previous weekend in Austin. Leclerc anticipates a different competitive scenario in Mexico due to McLaren’s improved performance and potential challenges with overtaking on the track.