Charles Leclerc makes sensational claim over sprint qualifying lap

Charles Leclerc believes his final lap during sprint qualifying at the Dutch Grand Prix was the best qualifying effort he has produced this year.

Leclerc ended the session in third place, narrowly missing out on sprint pole position.

The top four drivers were separated by less than one-tenth of a second, with George Russell coming out on top ahead of Lando Norris.

While Leclerc has disappointed to miss out on the top spot, the Monegasque took satisfaction from its execution.

“I would have preferred to start first, but at the end of the day, I'm very happy about today,” he said.

“Honestly, it was my best qualifying lap this year, and that means that we are doing something right, also with the feeling. 

“It doesn't mean it stays there forever, but at least it's a good step in the right direction. 

“Especially after such a long break, you want that feeling to start the second half. So it was a good effort. Unfortunately, we just missed pole, but at least we are more or less in the mix.”

While Leclerc was content with Ferrari's pace on low fuel, he admitted it may not be so strong when it comes to long distance.

“I was quite comfortable with the car since this morning,” he said. “In terms of race pace, a bit more difficult.

“The conditions [in FP1] were a little bit tricky, so we'll have to wait and see for tomorrow in the sprint race.

“But I believe that for now it looks like a positive start to the weekend.”