Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports F1
Topics: Charles Leclerc, Formula 1, Ferrari
Ryan Smart
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc mistook Bruce Buffer for an interviewer after he was introduced to the crowd prior to the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The pre-race proceedings in Vegas were all about the show, and each of the 20 drivers on the grid got their own introductions by the American announcing legend.
Buffer is usually seen on our screens announcing MMA events in the Octagon, but was specially drafted in by F1 organisers for Saturday night's Grand Prix.
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Buffer's announcement of Leclerc's name, though, preceded one of the most awkward moments of the weekend.
The Monegasque driver, who started the race on pole position, walked up to the announcer and shook his hand.
Leclerc then stood in position for a number of seconds, as if he was expecting to be interviewed by the MMA great.
He then realised that Sky Sports F1 reporter Natalie Pinkham was, in fact, the one conducting the interview - and he spun around to see her stood behind him.
On the track, Leclerc had an eventual race during the first Grand Prix on the Vegas Strip Circuit.
He was immediately overtaken by Max Verstappen at turn one, but the Dutchman received a penalty for forcing the Ferrari driver off the track.
Leclerc then overtook Verstappen shortly before the first set of pitstops, and appeared on course to win the race after extending his first stint and emerging in first place.
But the Monegasque driver did not pit when a safety car was brought out following a collision between Verstappen and George Russell, for which the latter received a five-second penalty.
And on older tyres compared to those around him, Leclerc was overtaken by both Red Bulls, although the long back straight and tow meant that he was able to stay in touch with his rivals.
He re-overtook Sergio Perez on the final lap to claim second place behind Verstappen, and was rewarded with the fan-voted Driver of the Day for his efforts.