Leclerc launches heavy self-criticism after poor F1 British GP qualifying

Charles Leclerc slammed his qualifying kind throughout the 2025 Formulation 1 season after an underwhelming efficiency forward of the British Grand Prix left him beginning sixth for Sunday's race. 

The Ferrari driver has not as soon as taken pole within the 12 rounds up to now this 12 months, regardless of beforehand forging a repute as a really sturdy qualifier after selecting up 26 profession poles. 

He was anticipating to be within the combat on Saturday at Silverstone, the place he was sturdy throughout all three observe classes and even topped FP3. 

However the Ferrari driver struggled when it mattered, as Leclerc certified 0.229 seconds off the time set by shock polesitter Max Verstappen and one spot behind team-mate Lewis Hamilton. 

Within the speedy aftermath, an enraged Leclerc slammed his steering wheel as he crossed the ending line earlier than launching a tirade in opposition to his personal efficiency by way of group radio. 

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck that,” stated Leclerc. “So fucking shit I'm. I'm so fucking shit. That's all I'm.” 

The Monegasque then remained in close to silence all through his in-lap as he introduced his Ferrari again to the pits. 

“I'm not doing the job,” Leclerc, who's fifth within the championship, then informed reporters. “Because the starting of the season I have been performing very properly within the races. 

“Wanting again on the races, there are literally not many races the place I might go to vary one thing that I've performed contained in the automobile. 

“Sadly, once I look again at qualifying, which was once my power, there are numerous qualifyings the place I would like to return and alter one thing. As a result of each time I'm going to Q3, for some purpose, it isn't clicking in the intervening time. 

“We have had good qualifyings, however we did not have nice qualifyings. Once more, this was once my power – so I am not pleased with the extent that I am exhibiting.” 

Leclerc refused to elucidate the precise downside he confronted, however reckons “the problems are very particular” to Ferrari. 

“It is not a steadiness challenge, it isn't a grip challenge,” he added. “I do not wish to go into the element, nevertheless it's simply one thing very bizarre that we have got to combat into the automobile. Particularly after they [the circuits] are excessive velocity, it makes it much more tough. 

“I hope we will resolve it. The great factor, if we will say it is a good factor, is that tomorrow we can't have any of this. For positive, we can't have any issues of that kind.” 

The qualifying outcome means Leclerc may be very a lot on the again foot for Sunday's grand prix, as he'll line up behind Purple Bull's Verstappen, the championship-leading McLaren automobiles, Mercedes' George Russell and Hamilton. 

“Beginning P6 once more, it makes it so tough,” stated Leclerc. “As a result of each time we're beginning the race by combating to return again after which, as soon as we're again on the entrance, those who have had a clear race simply have a bonus on us. We should be higher in qualifying.”