Charles Leclerc has revealed how he navigated a fine tightrope to defeat Max Verstappen and earn the final podium place at the Belgian Grand Prix.
From third on the grid, Leclerc was able to fend off Verstappen's challenge in the opening laps on the intermediates, despite complaining of worn rubber.
Both pitted for the switch to medium slick tyres on the same lap, as Verstappen hovered around 2.0-2.5s behind the Monegasque for a majority of the race.
However, Verstappen could not find a way past the Ferrari, settling for fourth as Leclerc banked a fifth podium of the season, and a third consecutive third-place finish at Spa, overcoming a "10-15 centimetre" gap to do so.
"Max was behind for the whole race, within two seconds, so it is never easy, and the first part of the race was the trickiest for us," Leclerc explained.
"We didn't have the downforce of the McLarens or that Max had as they compromised qualifying a little bit, but it dried up pretty quickly and the pace was good, but still, Max was behind for the whole race.
"Obviously the pressure is high, especially in these conditions because as soon as you are 10-15 centimetres outside of the right line, then it is wet and greasy and then you can lose the line and make a big mistake.
"So at one point, I told [engineer] Bryan [Bozzi] to leave me alone, but he's just trying to give me the most information, sometimes I need it, but today I did not."
As for Ferrari's upgrade, Leclerc was positive and wants to attack McLaren, if this is possible for Ferrari.
"We've had what we expected with this upgrade, and that is really positive," he said.
"We need to keep learning, but it is a good first weekend, and I am happy we are on the podium and hopefully, we'll put a bit more pressure on the McLarens."
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