Charles Leclerc struggled in qualifying at the 2022 Belgian GP, with Max Verstappen looking to have at least half a second on the entire field.
Going into the weekend, a victory at Spa-Francorchamps looked like the only way the Ferrari driver would be able to stay in the title fight; however, yet another engine change looks likely to have ended the Ferrari driver’s hopes of winning the race.
The engine change meant Leclerc started from P15 for Sunday’s race, while Verstappen started just one place higher in P14, after also taking an engine penalty.
The Dutchman would’ve been on pole had it not been for the penalty, after being over six tenths faster than Carlos Sainz in second.
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Verstappen cut through the field in the grand prix to comfortably win the race from team-mate Sergio Perez.
Leclerc wouldn’t have even be starting on the front-row without his penalty, after only posting the fourth fastest time, 0.9 seconds behind the reigning World Champion.
Leclerc has seemingly struggled somewhat this weekend, after finding the car uncomfortable to drive.
The 24-year-old complained over the radio during Q2 that his car was “jumping like crazy”, costing him lap time.
“The car is jumping like crazy in the apex of slow corners,” Leclerc said over the radio.
“It’s very strange.”
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The Scuderia made a strategic error during Q3, by accidentally fitting Leclerc with a brand-new set of Soft tyres.
Leclerc branded the team’s mistake as “no big deal”; however, its yet another blunder to add to Ferrari’s 2022 catalogue.
The Monegasque finished the race in P5 as Ferrari lacked pace, but he was demoted to sixth after being handed a five-second time penalty for speeding in the pitlane.