Pole position holder Charles Leclerc warns of Verstappen threat at Spanish Grand Prix: 'Max is just behind'

Charles Leclerc believes that Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix will see a tough challenge from Red Bull. The Ferrari driver is the championship leader this season but Max Verstappen — last season’s champion — is pushing him hard in the campaign standings.

Ad/> Monegasque competitor Leclerc had a spin between turn 13 and 14 which reduced him to just a single attempt in Q3, but that was enough to take pole from Verstappen, who suffered a late technical problem that held him back. Spanish Grand Prix'A real chance against Ferrari' — Hamilton, Russell and Wolff expect Spanish Grand Prix improvement4 HOURS AGO Speaking to Sky Sports after the session, Leclerc said: “I feel good, it was a very, very difficult session, especially in Q3, because I did a mistake in the run of Q3 and obviously only had one lap, but it went extremely well.

“I had moments on my lap but in the end I made it stick and I'm very happy, it was a good lap and the car was amazing too.” While he hoped to lead from the front in a race that traditionally favours cars in the front row, he admitted he expected strong competition from Verstappen. Leclerc on pole for Spanish Grand Prix Leclerc fastest ahead of Verstappen in final practice, Hamilton fourth Haas 'remains confident' Schumacher to take part in Spanish GP qualifying despite fire He said: “I am in a strong position to start the race, but we have been struggling with tires compared to Red Bull in the last two races, and Max is just behind.

If we don't manage our tires well we’ll lose that win. We need to get on top of it and do a good job tomorrow.