On Saturday, August 2, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur commented on Charles Leclerc’s qualifying performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix, emphasizing just how demanding the session was. Vasseur, who recently renewed his contract with Scuderia Ferrari, discussed the difficulties Leclerc faced in securing pole position amidst fluctuating weather and track conditions.
The French motorsport chief shared his perspective on the session, noting that achieving pole was far from straightforward due to the constant changes in the weather and tire management challenges. Despite these obstacles, Vasseur remains confident in his team’s ability to translate qualifying success into race performance at the Hungaroring.
Speaking about Leclerc’s effort, he explained:
“This was not an easy pole as we struggled in Q1 and Q2 to get the tyres in the right window and we were not far off having both our cars out in Q2. Conditions were changing massively, with even some rain in Q2. Then in the end, Charles found the way to put the tyres in the right window and the correct spot on the out lap. It was a mega lap and it’s a very positive performance, seeing that the delta between P10 and P1 is so small.”
“Lewis was very close to Charles and failed to make the cut but just 15 thousandths of a second. He will definitely have a tough time in the race. For the race, we must focus on ourselves, have a good strategy and the right approach for the tyres. If we do that, we can have a good one as our race pace is generally stronger than our quali pace,” he added.
Leclerc’s pole marks Scuderia Ferrari’s first front-row start of the 2025 season and sets the stage as the Monegasque looks to deliver Ferrari’s first win of this year’s championship.
Leclerc Reflects on Securing Pole Amid Challenging Conditions
After qualifying, Charles Leclerc expressed his surprise and satisfaction at clinching pole at the Hungaroring. He outlined how his clean lap in Q3, under tough conditions, enabled him to outpace the McLaren drivers and secure the top grid position.
Making clear that he did not expect his lap to be enough for pole, Leclerc acknowledged the significance of this achievement for both himself and the Ferrari team, especially after his recent podium at the Belgian Grand Prix.
“…In Q3, I knew I needed a clean lap to go for P3, but I never thought it was enough for pole. I’m really happy with my lap and it’s probably the most unexpected pole position of my career,” Charles Leclerc said as quoted by Ferrari’s official website.
“It’s a big boost for the team. Everyone has been pushing very hard to bring upgrades and take steps in the right direction, so this result shows that we are doing something right,” he added.
Leclerc also spoke about his approach to Sunday’s race, emphasizing the importance of the start and the first corner at the Budapest circuit. He aims to hold onto first place through the opening moments, which he believes will be critical for a strong finish.
“Tomorrow, the start and turn 1 will be key. I will do absolutely everything to keep first place and if we manage to keep the two McLaren behind at that point, it should make our job for the rest of the race a bit easier.”
Leclerc’s Aim to Overcome Past Budapest Struggles
The Hungaroring has traditionally been a difficult track for Charles Leclerc, with his best finish there so far being fourth place in 2024. This weekend presents an opportunity for him to change that history and claim his first victory at the venue.
As the qualifying results highlight, Leclerc and Ferrari seem well-positioned, despite the tough conditions faced during the session. Fred Vasseur’s confidence in their race pace sets expectations high for the team’s performance in the main event.
The Hungarian Grand Prix, known for its challenging layout and unpredictable weather, will test Leclerc’s ability to convert pole into a race win—something both the driver and Ferrari will be eager to achieve as the 2025 season progresses.