Leclerc at fault and off the podium: “It’s bullshit, clearly”

Sometimes a driver can struggle to find the right balance between competitive instincts and the perspective needed to build a successful season. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) had the bitter experience this Sunday at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola.

The Monegasque started the event with the legitimate desire to lift the winner's trophy in front of the tens of thousands of fans present on the Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit. Starting second, the championship leader was immediately overwhelmed by Sergio Pérez (Red Bull), which was going play protectors of Max Verstappen (Red Bull, winner).

Once the track becomes dry again, the bearer of the number 16 tried to find the opening on the Mexican, which was done (briefly) after the pit stops. However, Sergio Pérez's high-temperature slick tires made the difference once the Ferrari left its stand.

While he was looking to deliver the blow again, Charles Leclerc went beyond the limit of his mount and spun on the 53rd lap. Left with a damaged front wing, the Francophone had to have his nose changed, which plunged him to the bottom of the top 10.

Resurrected like never before, Charles Leclerc tried to limit the damage by doubling Kevin Magnussen (Haas), his former teammate within the Scuderia Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) then Yuki tsunoda (Alpha Tauri) to finish in sixth place.

“Why did you take these risks? That's a good question, and one I'll ask myself once I calm down., indicated the person concerned at the microphone of Canal+. This is bullshit, clearly. I can't afford to make these mistakes when the Red Bulls are better than us like they were today.

They were more efficient and their rubber management was more efficient. Third was the best place I could get. I saw that there was perhaps a mini-opportunity to overtake (Sergio) Pérez if I made a good last sector. I tried to push more than usual but the car reacted a little differently on the curb.

That's not an excuse. I just tried to carry too much speed (into the chicane). I'm very sorry but the mistake has been made. I'll analyze all of this and move on. »

Charles Leclerc completely rejects the subject of psychological pressure induced by his status as leader of the Reds in front of an audience committed to the cause of the Prancing Horse.

“I knew that today I had to score the points that were available, without overdoing it. I haven't made many mistakes this year so far. I could have paid more for this mistake, I was lucky to leave. »

In the Drivers' championship, Charles Leclerc's lead shrinks to 27 points over Max Verstappen. Before the Italian meeting, the Dutchman was 46 units behind.

ALSO READ > GP notes by the editorial staff