Leclerc: P4 in Spain shows that Ferrari’s F1 development direction is “the right one” F1

Leclerc finished fourth on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, nine seconds ahead of Red Bull’s Sergio Perez in fifth and almost 20 seconds ahead of McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo.

The Monegasse was able to prevail at the start in front of Valtteri Bottas, who in turn 3 an impressive outer move of the Finn – reminiscent of Fernando Alonso in 2013 -.

“I got off to a good start,” said Leclerc after the race. “Then I went outside at Turn 3 and it worked out for us and from that moment on we had a very, very good race that was very competitive throughout the race, and at the moment P4 is definitely the best.” could have done today.

“So I’m happy with what the team did over the weekend; We should be happy in moments like this and now we just have to work harder, improve the car and fight for third place. “

Ferrari is just five points behind McLaren in the constructors’ championship after having had a hot 2020 season and finishing sixth in the overall standings.

Leclerc says the team’s performance in Spain is further proof that the Italian marquee is back on track.

On the subject of matching items

“It feels very good,” added Leclerc. “It just means that everything we do, every direction we’ve taken in development so far, is right and we can point on the right path. It’s always a good feeling and I’m pretty sure everyone at Maranello is happy to see the result on the track. “

Carlos Sainz was frustrated with his race after being stuck behind Ricciardo for most of the time and eventually finishing seventh.

“I’m not exactly sure what happened on the first lap and what I could have done differently to gain positions, but from then on it was a race to stay behind the people,” explained Sainz.

On the subject of matching items

“To be honest, a bit frustrating, because today in the stint I had the feeling that the car was behaving well and that I felt very comfortable with the car. I knew a good start was going to be the key and it didn’t happen.

“Lando, I was able to overtake because we were on a big delta of tires and Daniel for example on the same tires, but I think we were three or four tenths faster.”