Christopher Fillocque, edited by Gauthier Delomez / Photo credits: John Ricky / ANADOLU / Anadolu via AFP
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9:47 a.m., April 21, 2024
Monegasque Charles Leclerc qualified in 6th position for the Chinese Grand Prix aboard his Ferrari, just ahead of his teammate Carlos Sainz. The French-speaking man says he is “confident” for the race, although the Dutchman Max Verstappen, once again favorite, will start from pole position, the 100th for his Red Bull team.
After five years of waiting, the Chinese Grand Prix is back on the F1 calendar. With the first verdicts already delivered throughout the weekend: the Dutchman Max Verstappen (Red Bull) won the first sprint race of the season on Saturday, and immediately set the best time in qualifying for the race. this Sunday, in front of Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso. This is the 100th pole position for the Red Bull team, the fifth in a row for the Dutchman since the start of the season. A first since the Finn Mika Hakkinen in 1999.
“We really have a good car in the race,” says Leclerc
The two McLaren single-seaters of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will start 4th and 5th respectively, ahead of the two Ferraris. The Scuderia seems a little behind in terms of performance: Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz actually only set the 6th and 7th times.
But speaking to Canal+, the Monegasque knows that his car performs better on Sundays. “We really had a car that was more based on racing than qualifying. We knew it wasn’t going to be optimal. It’s a shame, but I think we really have a good car in the race, so it gives me confidence for tomorrow (Sunday),” he explained.
Lewis Hamilton only in 18th position
If George Russell with this Mercedes will start 8th, his teammate Lewis Hamilton disappointed. The seven-time world champion, who came 2nd in the sprint race, will only start in 18th place! Nico Hulkenberg and Valtteri Bottas complete the top 10.
On the French side, there is progress. The new parts on Esteban Ocon’s car seem to be working. He will start 13th, his teammate Pierre Gasly 15th. And then the regional of the stage, Guanyu Zhou, will start 16th. He is the first Chinese in history to compete in Formula 1 in China.