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Charles Leclerc Blames Himself For ‘Not Being Good Enough’

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Samriddhi Jaiswal | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 1:24 PM ET

Charles Leclerc couldn’t hide his disappointment after only managing P6 in qualifying for the British GP, opening up about how far he’s drifted from his once-reliable Saturday form.

“I haven’t been good enough. So I can only blame myself,” Leclerc told Sky Sports F1, after a session where he struggled to hook up a clean lap at Silverstone.

“I am only disappointed because qualy used to one of my strengths. I feel for quite a bit now I am performing something in races, but in qualifying I am missing something,” he added.

It was a rare glimpse of raw self-reflection from the Ferrari driver, who’s still chasing an elusive first world title. In the early years of his F1 career, Leclerc was famed for his one-lap magic — often pulling shock poles out of nowhere. But in 2025, that edge seems dulled, with Ferrari’s car proving tricky to nail over a single lap.

Leclerc didn’t shy away from Ferrari’s struggles. “We have some issues with the car that we are trying to drive around, it’s not always easy, but it’s not an excuse,” he added. “You start from sixth, to try and find clear air is going to be very difficult. I’ll try my best.”

Still, with a chance of rain on Sunday, Leclerc knows the British Grand Prix could yet offer a shot at redemption. Although, he knows Sunday’s race will be an uphill battle. “To try and find clear air is going to be very difficult. I’ll try my best,” he added.

"quali used to be one of my strenghts. i feel like since quite a while, im performing well in races but in quali i'm missing something.

we've got some issues on the car we try to drive around, it's not always easy but it's not an excuse" pic.twitter.com/i4kXR6uwXI
— clara (@leclercsletters) July 5, 2025