Charles Leclerc does not count himself rich after a strong second free practice in Azerbaijan. According to the Ferrari driver, there is still a lot that is unclear about the relationship with Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Racing.
Leclerc had to tolerate only Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Pérez during the first free practice session. Later in the day, the 24-year-old Monegask was the fastest of them all in the second practice session.
“But I think it will be a tough fight for pole position. It was a good day for us on which we improved a lot after the first practice, but we have to take another step tomorrow,” Leclerc said on Friday after the second practice. Motorsport.com†
The Ferrari driver believes that few conclusions can be drawn. “I don’t think anyone really went all out during the second practice. That also applies to us. Max and Carlos didn’t really improve on the soft tires either. There are still a lot of question marks.”
“The tires and the race pace were fine”
Leclerc noticed that his car at least held up well on the Baku City Circuit. “The positive thing today is that our tires held up well and the race speed was good,” said the Ferrari driver.
In Baku, Leclerc hopes to make a difference in the battle for the world championship. The Monegask has never been on the podium there, while competitor Verstappen did not make it to the finish in three of the last four editions.
The third free practice and qualifying will take place in Baku on Saturday. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix starts on Sunday at 1 p.m. (Dutch time).