Leclerc pinpoints missing feature of pole challenge

Charles Leclerc believes a lack of slipstream on his final qualifying lap cost him a front-row start for the Italian Grand Prix.

Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz pipped championship leader Max Verstappen by just 0.013secs to send the Tifosi at Monza into raptures, with Leclerc narrowly missing out on joining the Spaniard for a lockout.

But the Monégasque was left at the front of the qualifying train for the final efforts, creating a tow effect for Verstappen behind, with Sainz the next car in line behind the Red Bull.

It is this that Leclerc believes took away the chance of challenging for pole.

Disappointed

"On my side, I am a bit disappointed - I obviously wanted to be first," said Leclerc.

"But seeing that Carlos is P1 is great for Ferrari, he has done an incredible job all weekend and I have been struggling quite a bit more through FP1, FP2 and FP3.

"In qualifying, I managed to put everything together so I was really happy, then unfortunately in Q3 I didn't have a slipstream that probably cost us one position at least.

"But that's life. We should be happy, especially on my side.

"I've been struggling a lot and I don't smile very often when I am P3 but being here and having this much support is an amazing feeling."

On his prospects for the race, Leclerc insisted: "We will try to do first and second with Carlos."