Leclerc: Back row start fuels my motivation for special Abu Dhabi performance
Charles Leclerc views starting from the back row in Abu Dhabi as motivation to deliver something extraordinary in his quest to secure the constructors' championship for Ferrari.
The Monegasque driver faced a double setback: a 10-place grid penalty for a new energy store installation after Friday, followed by a track limits violation in Q2 that nullified his best qualifying lap.
Charles Leclerc in Ferrari F1 car
Despite qualifying showing competitive pace, Leclerc acknowledges they likely wouldn't have matched McLaren's speed, though fourth position was achievable. "We are not making our life any easier. However, it motivates me to do something very special tomorrow," Leclerc stated, maintaining his belief in winning the constructors' championship.
Ferrari faces a challenging 21-point deficit to McLaren, with their rivals Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri securing front-row positions. However, Leclerc remains optimistic, citing improved tire degradation following car adjustments since FP3.
"I believe in miracles," Leclerc declared. "With the 10-place grid penalty, it was always going to be difficult. But I see an opportunity to do something very special and I'll do my best to do it. I'll believe in it until the very last lap. Anything can happen."