04 March 2023 , 20:19
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Max Verstappen couldn't resist poking fun at Charles Leclerc after pieces of his Ferrari car came flying off during qualifying.
TV cameras spotted at least two separate pieces of Leclerc's car came off as he began his first flying lap of the session. A section of the rear floor appeared to break away and fly into the air, followed by a large chunk of the front right wheel cover.
Fortunately for the Monegasque, it was not a problem which required immediate attention – nor did it affect his performance. He qualified third and was in contention for pole throughout the session, despite expressing doubts about that a day earlier.
Ferrari's sudden improvement in performance from pre-season testing and practice led to suggestions they may have been sandbagging. Sergio Perez suggested as much as he spoke to the media after qualifying second behind Verstappen on Saturday.
He said: "The Ferraris definitely picked up throughout. I think there were sandbagging a bit through the first days of testing and in during the weekend. They're definitely there. They're very strong. So, I will expect them to be in the fight for tomorrow's race."
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Asked if that statement is true, Leclerc replied: "I don't know. Definitely not as much." When Verstappen cut across to quip: "Maybe you found a sandbag in the car," Leclerc continued: "I didn't find it myself. And I'm not aware of it."
Part of the front right wheel cover was also missing from Leclerc's Ferrari (Sky Sports)Later asked about those pieces which fell off his car in Q1, the Ferrari driver said it did not affect performance and added: "I haven't seen the team but I was told on the radio that it was all fine. The part I honestly don't know, because I haven't seen any images of it whatsoever."
Clearly in a jovial mood, Verstappen cut in again to joke: "It was the sandbag," prompting a ripple of laughter in the room. Leclerc then replied: "Yeah, probably! But the lock-up I think was just me being too optimistic in braking for Turn 1. I don't think it's... I mean, I didn't feel anything particularly weird."
Explaining why he did not attempt a second flying lap in Q3 despite being slightly behind Verstappen, Leclerc said the team had decided to save tyres for the race. "I think we are in a better place starting third with new tyres than starting first with older ones," he declared.