Leclerc salutes 'incredible performance' in 'boring' US GP

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Charles Leclerc was on his own all afternoon in Austin, enduring a boring US Grand Prix but nevertheless labeling his P4 finish a "very positive" result and an "incredible performance by Ferrari.

On the run up the hill at the start, Leclerc survived the congestion and commotion at the first corner to hold his own from P4 on the grid, a position he didn't expect to maintain for the duration of the afternoon at the Circuit of the Americas.

"Yeah, a very very good race", he enthused when all was said and done.

"Very boring race on my side but on the other hand it's been a very positive race for us.

"I mean the performance was incredible today. It was great to see that on a track where we did not expect to be that quick. A great surprise.

"All the upgrades are working was we want and it's looking good for the future. Hopefully we can keep on that momentum for the rest of the season."

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Leclerc's top-four performance coupled with teammate Carlos Sainz's P7 at COTA amounted to four points more than what its top midfield rival McLaren was able to achieve.

Ferrari has now reduced its deficit to the Woking-based outfit in the Constructors' standings to 3.5 points.

"To have at least one car in front of the two McLarens and Carlos in front of Lando is a good result for the team, so it's good," said Leclerc.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.