Leclerc insists F1 qualifying crash not deliberate, worried about gearbox damage

Leclerc stormed to the top of the timesheets after the first runs of Q3 with a 1m10.346s.

On his final run of qualifying, Leclerc crashed at the Swimming Pool chicane, resulting in a red flag.

Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas were improving before the red flag, but Leclerc’s crash ensured they couldn't complete their final laps, handing Ferrari its first pole since 2019.

Speaking in the post-qualifying drivers’ press conference, Leclerc said: "If I was doing it on purpose, I would have done it a less bit hard! For now I'm worried about the rear of the car. I hope it's OK, but it doesn't look OK.”

Leclerc has never finished inside the top ten in his previous two grands prix on home soil.

The Monegasque is hopeful luck is on his side on race day.

"It’s a shame to finish in the wall,” Leclerc added. "It doesn’t feel the same but at the same time, I am 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. Just very, very happy to be on pole. Obviously it was very difficult to manage myself mentally after FP2. I could feel I was quite emotional in the car but I told myself ‘now it’s Q3, now it’s time to put everything together’, and I managed to do so. I am incredibly happy but it’s tomorrow that we score points.

"But I have to say, it’s a big surprise for everyone to be on pole and in fourth for the race.”