Charles Leclerc continues to be extremely downbeat despite securing pole position for F1 Belgian GP

Charles Leclerc claimed pole position at the 2024 Belgian GP qualifying, taking advanage of Max Verstappen's 10-place grid penalty. Despite the pole, the Ferrari driver declined to relish in his achievement as he appears to be worried about the tricky conditions that could lie in store for them on Sunday.

Verstappen clocked the fastest time at Spa-Francorchamps on Saturday at 1:53.159. However, the Internal Combustion Engine penalty put him down the grid and promoted Charles Leclerc to pole position. The Monegasque driver clocked a time of 1:53.754, which was almost six-tenths slower than the Dutchman.

"I definitely did not expect that this weekend, with the tricky conditions to do something above our expectations," Leclerc said in the post-qualifying interview. "We need to focus on tomorrow and what will happen when the rain is gone."

The 2024 Monaco GP winner spoke about how they were lucky to have gotten pole position on Saturday. Interestingly, Mercedes and McLaren did not start their usual late flying lap at Spa-Francorchamps as Charles Leclerc claimed the pole position, almost unchallenged.

"Without the rain, P5 was the position we were fighting for with the Mercedes - the rain helped us, but I'm not going to complain. I'm really happy. It's not the easiest first place to keep on the first lap but I'll see, every start is different," Leclerc added.

Sergio Perez of Red Bull qualified in P3, followed by Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris in P4 and P5 positions, respectively. Hungarian GP winner Oscar Piastri qualified in P6, ahead of George Russell (P7) and Carlos Sainz (P8). Fernando Alonso qualified in P9, followed by his former teammate Esteban Ocon in P10. However, they will all start the race a place ahead after Verstappen moves to P11 due to the grid penalty.

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Ferrari boss praises team for Charles Leclerc pole

Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez talk in parc ferme. (Image via Getty)

Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur appreciated his team's decision to refuel between runs and believed that the effort paid off. The Ferraris did not arrive at Spa-Francorchamps as the hot favorites, but they have a huge opportunity on Sunday following the Monegasque's pole.

"I think we made choices today and it worked out perfectly [on deciding to refuel between runs]," Vasseur said. "We have to appreciate this and enjoy it. Let's see what happens about Verstappen starting behind, but we will prefer to start from pole."

Ferrari lost their P2 spot in the Constructors' Championship standings to McLaren in Hungary. With Charles Leclerc starting on pole at the Belgian GP, they will certainly look to retake their spot from the Papayas.