P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Charles Leclerc could climb no higher than ninth in the pecking order at the end of sprint qualifying.
Charles Leclerc expressed his frustration with Carlos Sainz following a problematic final lap in sprint qualifying in Qatar. Leclerc’s lap suffered as he dropped to ninth, unable to match his rivals’ speed. He blamed Sainz for creating a gap that forced him to rush his lap. Leclerc acknowledged Sainz’s right to do so but found it unnecessary and irritating in this instance. He believed a top-five position was possible without the disruption. Leclerc noted the team’s overall struggle, despite his individual frustrations. He outperformed his teammate Lewis Hamilton, who was eliminated in the first qualifying session.
