P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Leclerc: F1 Abu Dhabi GP front row a "big surprise" having feared Q1 exit
Charles Leclerc was just 0.139 seconds behind Max Verstappen in qualifying, showing a quick recovery after starting in ninth place. He believed his driving was strong, but the car lacked straight-line speed. However, when new tires were fitted, the car came alive and he was surprised to jump up to second place. Leclerc admitted that he wasn’t expecting such a strong performance, especially considering their struggles throughout the weekend. He acknowledged that he had to give it his all on the last lap and was thrilled to secure a front-row start. Leclerc’s main focus for the race is to consolidate second position and beat Mercedes in the constructors’ championship, hoping that his teammate Carlos Sainz can join him in the fight.
