Ferrari's "podium is a great surprise," claims Leclerc

Hot on the heels of his podium finish at the United States Grand Prix, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc admitted that his second consecutive podium finish was a "great surprise" for him and the Italian team.

Following a strong display in qualifying, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton made relatively good starts. However, the two drivers ran into Turn 1 four abreast with pole-sitter Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.

In an attempt to avoid a contact with Hamilton, Leclerc ran wide and had to cut across the grass which sent him into the lead momentarily, but he immediately gave up the position to Norris.

The Monegasque was unable to keep up with Norris, and gradually fell back from the McLaren driver as the race progressed. Leclerc was able to run in relatively clean air, looking after his tyres.

However, with Verstappen enjoying the benefit of the soft tyres in the second half of the race, Leclerc had to defend his position in the closing stages of the 71-lap encounter. In the end, with the help of the late virtual safety car interruption, the Monegasque managed to hold on to P2 to record his second consecutive podium finish.

Although Hamilton looked in contention for his first podium finish with Ferrari, he was squeezed onto the grass by Verstappen in the opening stages of the race.

The seven-time world champion ran across the grass battling Verstappen and picked up a penalty for gaining an advantage. He dropped down the order to P14 after his pit stop, but he fought his way up to eighth position.

Asked to comment on his performance in Mexico City, Leclerc added: "I mean, very happy with this weekend. The United States was very positive for us, but we didn’t know what to expect from this weekend. And to end up again on the podium is a great surprise. So yeah, very happy to be on this amazing podium once again."

Asked about his mammoth second stint when he was desperately trying to manage tyres and manage the gap to Max Verstappen, Leclec admitted that he was relieved for the Virtual Safety Car at the end of the 71-lap encounter in Mexico.

"I was quite happy about the Safety Car at the end. My tyres were completely gone and Max was coming back on the softer tyre, so it was tough. But I think the Safety Car saved me at the end.

"I think without it, there was more chance of Max getting past than me staying in front. Especially with those Medium tyres, the feeling was just not there from the beginning to the end," added the Monegasque.