GP3 Series leader Charles Leclerc described his experience of driving a Formula One car for the first time as ‘amazing’ as he replaced Esteban Gutierrez at Haas during first practice for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Leclerc admitted he ‘struggled’ for the majority of the session which was highlighted by his spin at Turn 3. The Monegasque driver completed 26 laps on his way to 18th fastest.
“It’s been an amazing experience for my first time in a Formula One car,” said Leclerc. “I was struggling quite a lot at the beginning, as Silverstone is quite a hard track with lots of high-speed corners, and I found the steering wheel quite stiff in comparison to anything I’ve driven before.
“However, it was a great session and lap after lap I gained confidence. The last run was on old tires, so we couldn’t show our real pace, but I think we were quite fast. We completed the program and that was the main aim, so I’m happy with that.
“It was probably one of the best days of my life, and to do it with Haas has been even more amazing.”
Leclerc is expected to be given another outing in a Formula One car but for Ferrari in the upcoming mid-season test at Silverstone.
