P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Charles Leclerc says the gap to Max Verstappen is smaller than he expected after setting the fastest time in qualifying but only ending up second at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Verstappen took pole pos…
“Charles Leclerc expressed surprise at the smaller gap to Max Verstappen in qualifying at the Bahrain Grand Prix, with Leclerc setting the fastest time but ending up second. Verstappen secured pole position with the best lap in Q3, while Leclerc’s Q2 effort was quicker than Verstappen’s pole lap, despite not improving in Q3. Leclerc finds the result bittersweet, noting the potential in his car and the similarity in performance compared to Verstappen. George Russell, qualifying third, is less optimistic about the chasing pack’s chances in race trim, expecting a 0.5s deficit to Verstappen based on testing data. The drivers’ differing expectations set the stage for an intriguing race, with both hoping for strong performances despite the tight competition.”
