Ferrari superstar Charles Leclerc was very impressed by Aussie young gun Oscar Piastri, who wrapped a strong qualifying performance and will start at eighth on the grid in Saudi Arabia. The Aussie, in just his second F1 race, was the only McLaren to reach the final stage – beating his teammate by ten places. ‘Especially after a year off and [this is his] second race, in a street track, in a very challenging one – probably one of the most challenging of the season. Leclerc, who qualified second fastest, will take a 10-place engine penalty for taking on a new electronic element in his engine and bump Piastri up to eighth on the grid. ‘Very tricky place, so I’m happy for him and happy for McLaren as well. He was annoyed with himself – 16th a dismal place to start Sunday’s race.

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