Charles Leclerc believes two mistakes in Q3 cost him to rival Sergio Perez in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying, but feels that Ferrari achieved their maximum. Leclerc qualified third fastest at the Yas Marina Circuit, being pipped by 0.040 seconds by Perez, who he is locked level on points in the battle for P2 in the Drivers' Championship. Perez's teammate Max Verstappen took pole as Leclerc beat his own teammate Carlos Sainz as the two contenders could barely be split. Leclerc believes some small mistakes cost him a front row slot.
Leclerc rues missed chance
"I locked up in Turns 6 and 7, but to be honest, [third] is the place we deserve today," he explained. "The Red Bulls were just stronger, but we are still in quite a good position for tomorrow. "It is going to be close with Checo for sure. "I'm sure we can work together with Carlos, I have no doubt on that. "We'll try to maximise the team result but we know Red Bull is a bit stronger on Sunday, so it going to be tricky, but we are going to give it our all. "Hopefully we can get that second place in the Drivers' and Constructors.' "Before going on holiday, we need to focus on the race obviously after the last two very difficult years for the team. "It is good to have done a step forward, and it is great for the team to [potentially] get that second place in the Constructors'. "I'll push for that, and then we'll go on our holidays, rest and hopefully come back stronger next year."
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