Charles Leclerc is “not buying” Singapore hype from Red Bull after a strong performance at the Italian Grand Prix.
The Scuderia enjoyed their most competitive weekend of the season at Monza, claiming pole with Carlos Sainz who then forlornly tried to hold off Max Verstappen during the race.
Ultimately, both the Dutchman and Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez were too strong as they finished one-two, leaving Leclerc and Sainz to battle for the final podium place.
“We really enjoyed it,” the Monegasque, who finished fourth in Italy, reflected on Thursday.
“I think both of us really enjoyed it. I mean, Carlos, I think enjoyed it less than I did!
“It’s part of racing and I honestly really enjoyed it. This is what made me fall in love with racing is the competition, the fighting on track and we’ve had that plenty of times with Max [Verstappen], mostly in karting and a bit in Formula 1, not enough unfortunately.
“It’s good. I think it can only benefit Formula 1 for drivers and the show in general so I enjoyed it.”
Ferrari’s impressive pace was thanks to a special low downforce package specially created for the long straights at Monza.
But Red Bull has suggested Leclerc could also be a threat this weekend, calling him a Singapore “specialist”.
“It’s nice to read that but I’m not buying it at all,” he told Sky Sports.
“I really think that they will be the strongest this weekend, especially come race day. Quali, maybe it will be close but maybe not.
“I think on a high downforce track like here, I expect us to struggle more than Monza. I don’t think they’ll [Red Bull] will have any threats, I think they’ll just be the fastest.
“We will be closer at least with Mercedes, McLaren, also Aston Martin. We just need to reset a little bit more.”