Featured Image Credit: Ferrari/Formula 1 - Getty Images
Topics: Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Formula 1
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Formula 1
A frustrated Charles Leclerc launched into an uncharacteristic rant over the radio after he finished behind Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The 27-year-old started the race behind Sainz but after a strong start, he was eyeing up race leader George Russell, who would eventually go on to secure victory.
Leclerc was one of the first drivers to pit after taking too much out of his tyres, meaning he would drop down the leaderboard and fight against teammate Sainz for P3.
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As you can see in the footage below, Leclerc emerged from his second pit stop just ahead of Sainz and moments later, he received the following message from Ferrari race engineer Bryan Bozzi.
“Carlos has been told to not overtake but it is really close, you might be just in front," said Bozzi. "He has been told to not put you under pressure. So just take care of your tyres.”
Sainz proceeded to get close and Leclerc told Bozzi: “Maybe try in Spanish.”
The Spaniard went on to take a podium position behind race winner George Russell and runner-up Lewis Hamilton, while Leclerc finished in fourth.
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Moments after the race ending, Leclerc was told to "pick up" by race engineer Bryan Bozzi, who probably wasn't anticipating such an x-rated response.
"Yes whatever you want," Leclerc began. "As always. Yeah I did my job. But speaking nice, f**** me all the f***ing time. All the f***ing time. It's not 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."
Leclerc was repeatedly told that he "did the right thing for the team" but he was clearly unhappy with what had just happened.
Unaware the radio was still on, the 27-year-old hit replied: "F***ing pick up what the f*** you want. And the radio is on, I am sorry."
Speaking in his post-race interview, Carlos Sainz said: "It was a bit of a shock with the mediums. I expected strong to be on this tyre but it lasted eight laps. From then onwards it was a damage limitation race. I was not comfortable with the car and not strong today."
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He added: "I wish I was a bit quicker and fighting with George for the win but we didn't have it. We came back with a P3 which was the maximum we could do today."