F1: Leclerc tops Verstappen to win pole for French GP

Before a large sun-drenched crowd, Charles Leclerc has taken pole position for the French GP Formula 1 race at Paul Ricard.

The Ferraris have had the upper hand on the Red Bulls for the majority of 2022 in qualifying and today was no different as Leclerc finished 0.304s faster than Verstappen’s Red Bull, helped by a tow from his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz Jr.

“I had the help of Carlos, and that was amazing team work,” said Leclerc.  “Without him it would have been incredibly close. I hope he can join us back in the fight tomorrow.”

Stupid Red Bull did not have their drivers tow each other down the long straights.

“Overall, we were lacking a bit in qualifying, general grip,” said Verstappen. “I think we still have a decent race car, we are quick on the straights, so we can use that tomorrow.”

Sergio Perez was third in the 2nd Red Bull ahead of Lewis Hamilton for Mercedes, 0.893s back.

“It’s been a good recovery, I’ve been nowhere the whole weekend, I think it’s been my worst weekend up to qualifying actually,” said a happy Perez

Lando Norris rounded out the top-5 for McLaren, ahead of George Russell in the 2nd Mercedes.

Fernando Alonso was seventh, Yuki Tsunoda eighth.

Carlos Sainz Jr. and Kevin Magnussen will drop to the back for tomorrow, meaning Daniel Ricciardo will wind up ninth and Esteban Ocon P10.

Leclerc, helped by his teammate, proved the quickest over one lap again and grabbed a seventh pole of the season from just 12 race weekends. But he’ll have two Red Bull cars in his mirrors, and might need some help from Mercedes tomorrow.

If Mercedes and even Norris in the McLaren can keep Perez busy, it goes back to a straight one-on-one fight. Another installment of the Leclerc – Verstappen rivalry, and what a rivalry it is turning into.

Qualifying Results