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Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc appeared to reach his wit’s end with Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz following the completion of Sunday’s Las Vegas Grand Prix. Sainz finished third in the race and Leclerc fourth in a result that helped them narrow the gap to McLaren in the constructor’s championship with two races remaining.
But Sainz appeared to ignore a direct order from the team not to overtake Leclerc mid-way through the race, costing Leclerc valuable points in his battle with McLaren’s Lando Norris for second in the drivers’ championship.
sainz: *was told not to overtake*
*wipes his ass with the team orders and overtakes*my 🐐 leclerc so done with him: “maybe try in spanish”
pic.twitter.com/QeVqyl59bZ— Allya 🏁 (@LeclercGarage) November 24, 2024
“Carlos has been told to not overtake but it’s really close. You might be just in front,” Leclerc’s race engineer told him.”He has been told to not put you under pressure. So just take care of your tires.”
Sainz then immediately passed Leclerc as he came out of the pits, prompting Leclerc to say “Maybe try in Spanish” about his Spaniard teammate.
After the race, Leclerc came over the radio and launched into an expletive-laden rant toward Sainz.
“Yeah. [laughing] Yeah, yeah. Yeah, I did my job, but being nice f—s me over 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 it’s always the same. So. Ahhh my f—ing God.” he told engineer Bryan Bozzi.
On-board video then showed Leclerc slamming his steering wheel on the cooldown lap.
Leclerc later stated that his frustration was not about favoritism, but rather doing what was best for the team. He also stated that he conceded a position to Sainz earlier in the race.
Sainz has just two races left with Ferrari. The team did not extend his contract and instead replaced him with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Since that point, he and Leclerc have had multiple run-ins, which could prove pivotal as the team tries to chase down its first championship since 2008.