Charles Leclerc felt he was on course for a good result in the German Grand Prix on Sunday, only to lose out on points completely when a gamble on an early switch to the Intermediate tyre failed to pay off.
The Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team racer had started inside the top ten and was hopeful of a sixth top ten finish of the season only to hit the pit lane and fit Intermediate tyres when the first rain fell at the Hockenheimring, only for it to prove an incorrect move as the rain predominantly stayed away and the track dried out.
Ultimately he was forced to return to the pits to return to slick tyres for the remainder of the race, but the damage had been done and he ended up a lap down in fifteenth position.
“It was a disappointing outcome to the race for me today,” said Leclerc. “After having a good start, I was able to keep my position in the upper midfield during the first stint.
“The performance was good and I felt confident in the car. As the rain started to appear, I was called in for a change to intermediate tyres. As the track was only wet in a few of the corners, the tyres were destroyed after just a few laps. From that moment, the race was a struggle.
“I lost a lot of positions in that time, and it was a challenge to try and get the tyres to work. It is unfortunate to finish the race in this way. However, we did make good progress again this weekend.”
Leclerc does not have long to wait to get redemption, with the Hungarian Grand Prix taking place this weekend, and he will hope to get that points finish he craves at the Hungaroring.
“I am now focused on the next race in Hungary, and look forward to being back in the car there,” said the Monegasque racer.
