Sauber driver Charles Leclerc is again catching the attention of Formula 1’s biggest names after making Q3 for the first time in his Formula 1 career at the French GP.
The Monegasque driver produced an incredible final lap in Q2, which would be over half a second faster than both in Q1 and Q3 times, to just pip Esteban Ocon into the top 10.
His achievement marked Sauber’s first appearance in the final part of qualifying since 2015, going on to claim eighth, with the 20-year-old ecstatic following what he called a “disaster” on Friday.
“It is just unbelievable. It is probably the best recovery I did in my career from one day to another,” Leclerc told Sky Sports.
“I went to bed very late because I worked quite a lot with the engineers to find out what were the issues and I think they have been very good to identify the exact issues and they understood really what I wanted from the car and that is what we did today.”
On the same week that Ferrari chiefs are believed to be edging towards their lead academy driver to replace Kimi Raikkonen in 2019, it was certainly the perfect way to increase those chances and his possible future teammate Sebastian Vettel was pleased.
“I saw on the screen that [Sauber team boss] Fred [Vasseur] was happy so I knew one of his drivers did well in Q2,” the German commented.
“Eighth is an impressive result, they are still quite a long way behind with the car.
“For him, he’s doing the job, it’s good for him and for Sauber as well to be up there and have a chance to score points.”
Also, Lewis Hamilton praised the performance of the F2 champion, with the Briton relating to the situation Leclerc finds himself in as a driver looking to live up to a reputation built in junior series.
“There’s a lot of pressure for him, being here in the south of France, so it’s really, really good,” said Hamilton, after claiming pole.
“I’m happy for him, particularly in that car, he’s done a great job with what he has – probably even more, which is what you hope from a good driver.”