Charles Leclerc was left frustrated by a difficult Q3 as he managed fifth in his first qualifying session for Ferrari.
The Monegasque certainly wasn’t overawed by the pressure as he kept teammate Sebastian Vettel more than honest throughout.
However, as was perhaps expected, he was just missing that final tenth compared to the four-time world champion and particularly when it mattered most at the very end.
“I’m not happy with myself, I didn’t do the job in Q3 which I think is a shame,” he said.
“In Q1 and Q2 it was positive on my side. The first run in Q3 was pretty OK but the second run I just did a mistake and locked up into Turn 1 and it was a scrappy run from my side.
“It’s a shame as the top three was definitely there, top two not, but we will work to get better.”
On just his second trip to Albert Park, Leclerc also admits he is still learning the small details that can make the difference.
“It’s very difficult because all of the exits are on the astroturf and it’s slippery,” he explained.
“I’ve been struggling quite a lot at this track last year so I’m pretty sure things will get better but I also need to improve on my side in putting it together when I have to.”