Charles Leclerc Chastises Race Engineer After Saudi Arabian GP Blunder
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc chastises his race engineer during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after a communication break down.
Charles Leclerc's 2023 F1 season has been a wild ride. And by "wild ride", I mean a journey of disappointment The Monegasque driver has faced numerous setbacks, leaving him grappling with disappointment after each race. Despite showing immense potential, Leclerc's season has been marred by a series of unfortunate incidents and errors.
A Bumpy Start at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix started painfully for the driver after he qualified second but was ultimately forced to start from P12 due to a 10-place grid penalty. This penalty was a result of Leclerc's car being fitted with a third array of control electronics, having already gone through two legal sets during the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Momentum
Despite these setbacks, Leclerc displayed grit and determination as he navigated his way through the tight but fast Jeddah track. He quickly advanced into the top eight, showcasing his impressive racing skills. However, his progress was soon halted as he was called into the pit moments before the race's only Safety Car made its appearance.
Communication Breakdown and Lost Opportunities
It was during this crucial Safety Car period that Leclerc's frustration reached its boiling point. A communication mishap with his race engineer, Xavi, resulted in Leclerc being instructed to push at a section of the circuit he had already passed. Consequently, Leclerc fell behind Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, costing him a potential fifth-place finish. The Monegasque driver's fury was evident as he chastised his race engineer for the untimely information.
"Xavi," he shouted down his radio. "You need to tell me that before! I mean, come on?"
Salvaging Points and Looking Ahead
Despite the series of misfortunes, Leclerc managed to cross the finish line in seventh place, while his Ferrari teammate, Carlos Sainz, claimed sixth. This result earned Leclerc his first points of the season, elevating him to eighth in the standings with six points.