Leclerc: I don't think we can achieve more.

      Charles Leclerc finished third in Austin and is happy the weekend ended that way…

      Question: Charles, great strategy, a brilliant race. Considering where you were on Friday, are you happy with that result?

      Charles Leclerc: Very happy. In first practice there was a gearbox problem which forced the session to end early. I was immediately a step behind and tried to make up for lost time in the sprint qualifying and the sprint. Then in qualifying we fine‑tuned the setup and picked up pace. Considering the whole situation, the result is good.

      The second half is not going smoothly. Completely unfounded rumours and speculation are swirling around the team. And it's really nice to show that we can stay focused on our work and earn podiums.

      Question: The decisive factor in your success was starting on the Softs and those fifty‑plus laps during which you stayed ahead of Lando. Didn't you think you were taking a risk by choosing that strategy?

      Charles Leclerc: Yes, it was an aggressive strategy. The plan was to get into the lead after the first corner. I didn't quite manage that, but I gained one position, which allowed me to be on a clear track and helped in the race. Again, I knew the plan was aggressive, but given how the Hards felt in Friday's practice, I was absolutely certain I didn't want to use them in the race.

      So yes, I was a little concerned when my engineer called me on the radio on the grid and I found I was the only one on softs. I thought, "Okay, maybe I misunderstood something." But in the end it turned out to be a good choice.

      Question: How unexpected was Lando's attack four laps from the finish? Were you sure he was no longer a threat to you?

      Charles Leclerc: Lando was cooling his tyres for four or five laps, and I knew that when he came back it would be hard to keep him behind. I tried; for several laps I managed to do so, but towards the end of the race the tyres began to fade.

      Question: Ahead is the race in Mexico, where last year Carlos Sainz won in a Ferrari…

      Charles Leclerc: Yes. But things are different now. No, I still want to believe we can win a race before the end of the season. But we don't have a car capable of doing that.

      I think the weekend in Austin was perfect for our team; I'd be surprised if we can achieve anything more before the end of the year. But we approach each race individually. Let's see what can be done.