Leclerc baffled by anti-stall issue that thwarted sprint qualifying

©Ferrari

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Charles Leclerc was at a loss to explain the anti-stall issue that halted his Ferrari and thwarted his efforts in the final segment of Sprint qualifying at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Leclerc strategically left the pit lane queue alongside the other top 10 contenders as the clock ticked down at the Red Bull Ring.

However, unlike his rivals heading out for their flying laps, Leclerc's Ferrari abruptly cut out. The Monegasque driver managed to get his machine restarted, but by then, it was too late.

He nevertheless pressed on during his out-lap but when he came around for what would have been his sole attempt at a flying lap in SQ3, the checkered flag had already flown.

2024 Austrian Grand Prix - Sprint qualifying results

With no time on the board, Leclerc was unfortunately left stranded in 10th place. The Ferrari charger was at a loss to understand what had caused the anti-stall issue.

"I don't know what happened," he said. "I was in the pitlane and I got the anti-stall and then everything switched off.

"The team told me that we will speak when I'll be back in the garage, but obviously I went straight from the car to here so I don't know."

Though disappointed with the outcome, Leclerc acknowledged Ferrari's overall lack of pace this weekend, admitting they weren't "super strong" to begin with.

"We weren't super strong, but definitely better than P10,” he said.

"So, it's a bit disappointing. But, yeah, we'll look at what happened and tomorrow we'll try to have a good sprint race to try and come back in the front."

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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.