Charles Leclerc launched into an X-rated rant after qualifying for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The Ferrari driver will start fourth on the grid at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit this weekend.
George Russell is in pole position after qualifying ahead of Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly.
However, Leclerc was left furious after failing to force his way onto the front of the grid.
He was heard on the team radio fuming: “S***, s***, s***. For f***’s sake.
“The tyres felt completely different. I don’t know why. So much understeer.”
His frustrations continued after the Monegasque had returned to the paddock.
Leclerc told Sky Sports: “It’s a shame because over multiple laps, we are very strong, and I feel very comfortable with the car, but it was a disaster getting the tires up to temperature.
“Carlos managed it, and I never did, since FP1. [The result] is disappointing.
“I tried, I tried to work on it, but I never found the right way. In FP1, FP2, and FP3, I would post good lap times, but only after three or four laps in the session.
“Carlos, on the other hand, managed it immediately, and that made the difference in qualifying. I hope tomorrow I’ll be more in sync with the race pace.
“Even though things didn’t go smoothly, they didn’t for anyone because in these conditions, you see a super strong Hamilton in FP3, then in qualifying, for one reason or another… these are details that are really hard to understand.
The Ferrari driver could only go fourth quickest ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix[/caption]
“Speaking for myself, sometimes you need to slow down by 10 km/h in the final corner to create some space, but then you get to Turn 1 and lose front-end grip.
“That’s what happened to me in Q3. So, strange things happen.”
The 27-year-old was on pole at last year’s maiden Las Vegas Grand Prix, but went on to finish second behind Max Verstappen.
Leclerc has picked up three race wins so far this season in Monaco, Italy and the USA.
Those victories have helped him to third in the Drivers’ Championship with three races remaining.
Meanwhile, Verstappen – who is in fifth – could claim the world title this weekend for the fourth year in a row.
Leclerc is currently third in this season’s Drivers’ Championship[/caption]
The Dutch driver will be crowned champion if he wins the race or finishes above Lando Norris.
