Charles Leclerc admits he fears damage sustained in a crash at the end of Monaco Grand Prix qualifying could lose him pole position if it results in a grid penalty.
Leclerc secured a shock pole for his home race but crashed on the exit of the Swimming Pool chicane on his final lap in Q3.
The Ferrari driver clipped the inside wall that broke his right-front track rod, before hitting the outside barrier on the exit of the corner.
The incident brought out the red flags and prevented anyone from improving their laptime, with Leclerc’s first Q3 lap good enough to claim pole in front of Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas.
“It’s a shame to finish in the wall, it doesn’t feel the same,” Leclerc said.
“But at the same time, I’m incredibly happy about my first timed lap. The first corner was quite tricky, I didn’t do a great first corner, but then second and third sector, I nailed it, and just very, very happy to be on pole.”
Although the extent of the damage is currently unknown, the impact on the rear of the car could have caused damage to the gearbox.
Should Ferrari be required to change it prior to Sunday’s race, it would result in a five-place grid drop for Leclerc.
Asked if he was worried the gearbox could have suffered damage in the crash, Leclerc replied: “I am, but let’s see.”
It marks Leclerc and Ferrari’s first pole since Mexico 2019, showing a significant improvement from last year when the team endured its worst season in 40 years.
Leclerc admitted he had to keep himself in check when it became apparent he was in with a good chance of fighting for pole position.
“I could feel I was quite emotional in the car, but I told myself, it’s Q3, now it’s time to put everything together,” Leclerc said.
“I managed to do so, so I’m incredibly happy. But it’s tomorrow that we score points.
“But I have to say that it’s a big surprise to be on pole and in fourth place for the race tomorrow.”
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