Charles Leclerc reveals huge gamble he took at 2022 Azerbaijan GP

Charles Leclerc claimed a famous pole position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after an exceptional lap.

Charles Leclerc revealed that he “released the brakes and prayed” on his pole position lap at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, after taking a superb pole at the Baku City Circuit.

Leclerc made it a staggering four poles in a row, cementing his place as the fastest driver over a single lap this season.

The Monegasque driver discussed his unbelievable pole lap, where he explained how he gambled massively at Turn 2.

“It didn’t feel like I left much on the table,” Leclerc said.

“Turn 2 I was losing all the time and on my final lap I just released the brakes and prayed that it was okay.

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“I think it was a pretty close one there. And then the last corner was a bit trickier but I think it was more wind-related. So overall, I was very happy with the lap.

“You can feel you’re on the limit and you know that whatever mistake you are doing at that time is just a wall. So the adrenaline is running high and it’s great to be on pole.”

Leclerc will be hoping to convert his pole position into victory, something he hasn’t done since the Australian Grand Prix.

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The Scuderia Ferrari driver would’ve most likely won the Spanish Grand Prix, had it not been for his heartbreaking power unit failure.

The Spanish GP was also the place where Leclerc lost his championship lead, he’ll be hoping to snatch it back in Baku.

Victory in Azerbaijan will put pressure on Red Bull Racing, who currently lead the Constructors’ championship as well as the Drivers’ championship, with Max Verstappen.

Leclerc’s initial priority though for Sunday, is to “finish the job”.

“I just want to finish the job [on Sunday],” he said.

“The past two weekends I’ve already said that on the Saturday and it didn’t happen on the Sunday. 

“So we need to make it… I mean, we don’t need to make it work but it will be very nice if we’ll make it work tomorrow. 

“Let’s see how it goes in the first few laps, and then I will try to keep the lead,” Leclerc concluded.