Charles Leclerc throws Lewis Hamilton plan in doubt after sweary rant at Ferrari team
Charles Leclerc was left fuming at the end of the Las Vegas Grand Prix after he was edged out by team-mate Carlos Sainz ahead of his Ferrari pairing with Lewis Hamilton
Charles Leclerc let loose on team radio as the Ferrari driver launched an x-rated rant after losing out to team-mate Carlos Sainz.
Leclerc enjoyed a stellar start in Las Vegas as he went from fourth to second in a matter of corners on the opening lap. He attempted to chase down leader George Russell but ended up taking too much out of his tyres and was left needing to manage his race.
He ended up racing off with Sainz for the final podium spot and emerged from his second pit stop just ahead of his team-mate. Leclerc's engineer told him over the radio that the Spaniard had been told to hold positions, but he ended up overtaking him anyway.
The Monegasque driver claimed they should've told Sainz the instruction in his native language after he ignored the team order and finished third ahead of Leclerc, who was clearly fuming as he let rip.
His engineer thanked him for doing his job in Las Vegas but Leclerc replied: “Yeah I did my job. But being nice f**ks me all the f***ing time. All the f***ing time. It’s not even being nice, it’s just being respectful, I know I need to shut up but at one point is always the same so… Oh my f***ing god.”
He was then asked to respond on his radio but hit back by saying: “F***ing pick up what the f**k you want. And the radio is on, I am sorry.” That eventually forced team principal Fred Vasseur to step in to try and calm the situation.
Sainz only has two more races with the Italian team before he leaves for Williams with Lewis Hamilton coming in to replace him. Leclerc has previously bemoaned the Spaniard's antics
It will shine further light on the incoming dynamic between Leclerc and Hamilton. The seven-time world champion will join the team next season and leave Ferrari with a stellar driver pairing, but one they will have to manage due to their respective ambitions.
Leclerc though has spoken positively about the future dynamic, adamant it will be healthy for the team, as both men harbour race winning and title aspirations.
“I am super excited to be working alongside him. To be, yes, learning from him but at the same time it’s such an exciting challenge for me to be in the same car as such a successful driver and to be able to show what I am capable of. Both of us will want to beat each other, that’s the way it is in F1, but I’m sure it will be a healthy competition.”
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