Charles Leclerc has revealed an issue with his chassis was behind the alarming loss of pace that saw him miss out on a podium in Formula 1 ‘s Hungarian Grand Prix. Leclerc held onto the lead at the start and remained ahead during the opening two stints until a sudden drop in his lap times saw him trundle home in a distant fourth.

Charles Leclerc will be chasing Ferrari’s first win in Formula 1 this year after taking a surprise pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix ahead of title contenders Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris

“What?!” Leclerc replied to his race engineer, Bryan Bozzi, after being told the result. He laughed to himself afterwards: “Mamma mia. My God!” The bemusement initially hidden by Leclerc’s helmet remained etched on his face after he hopped out of his car and celebrated with his team.