Charles Leclerc was left frustrated by what he saw as a missed opportunity for pole in Brazilian GP qualifying.
The Monegasque was only fourth fastest despite finished just over two-tenths back from polesitter Max Verstappen at Interlagos.
And though the Red Bull driver himself clearly had more pace after an error of his own on his first Q3 run, Leclerc thinks a mistake he made was more detrimental.
“I don’t think the pole was out of reach,” said the Ferrari driver via Crash.net.
“I’m very disappointed with myself today. I did quite a big mistake in my first timed lap in the last corner, which cost me at least three tenths.
“So yeah, it’s my fault and I take it completely. I can only be angry with myself.
“The team did a great job. I think the car was there to fight for pole at least and I didn’t do the job in the car."
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Adding insult to injury is a 10-place grid drop Leclerc will take after requiring a new internal combustion engine for the final two races.
The 22-year-old though sees it as an opportunity to have some fun coming through the field from P14.
“Full attack mode!" he said of his approach. “I enjoy a little bit for fighting for 3rd place in the championship but it’s life, it’s like this and I’ll try to enjoy as much as possible and come back.
“I will give it everything,” he added. “I will try to be as aggressive as I can in the first few laps which will be very important and then hopefully the pace will help us to come back for third in the standings.”
