Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc vows to bounce back in Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc secured a front row start for the franchise at the historic Emilia Romagna Grand Prix for the first time since 2006. Having broken the jinx, one would expect Leclerc to be overjoyed, but the celebrations were cut short as the Monegasque driver lost pole position in the final laps of Saturday's sprint race.

If Saturday was a hint at what would happen in the main race, then Leclerc and Max Verstappen are likely to put on a memorable show in Italy. Verstappen started the sprint qualifiers in pole position, but following a technical issue with his car, he was overtaken by Leclerc.

Charles Leclerc overtook Max Verstappen early in the race and held the lead until the final laps Imago

As expected, the Oracle Red Bull Racing driver kept close tabs on his Ferrari counterpart and as Leclerc began to face tyre issues of his own towards the end, Verstappen closed the gap before overtaking Leclerc.

Leclerc said after the race that after his good start, his strategy was to keep some distance between himself and Verstappen before entering the DRS zone, where the defending champion could have an advantage.

Charles Leclerc (L) and Max verstappen congratulate each other after a thrilling race Imago

“I had a very good start, we were not side-by-side for Turn 1, and I could focus on my race from that moment onwards. I tried to push at the beginning to get a bit of a gap and for Max [Verstappen] to not be in the DRS zone because I knew that I would have been vulnerable if it was the case." Leclerc said.

After scoring seven points in the sprint race, Leclerc maintains his lead at the top of the drivers' standings. Despite the tyre issues, he is confident that he can drive to another pole position for the legendary Italian constructors.

Leclerc emerging from his car at the end of the race Imago

“I'm pretty sure we're in the fight for the win. If not, it's going to be a bit more difficult. But anything’s possible. It's only the Sprint race and we'll learn from this to do better.” Leclerc said.

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix will take place at the Enzo e Dino Ferrari track on Sunday April 24.

'We are in the fight for the win'- Leclerc vows to bounce back in Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

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