Charles Leclerc’s frustration boiled over after losing third place to Carlos Sainz during the dramatic Las Vegas Grand Prix, sparking a profanity-laden radio exchange that highlighted his displeasure.
A Heated Battle in Sin City
Starting behind Sainz on the grid, Leclerc made an impressive charge, overtaking Pierre Gasly and his Ferrari teammate to claim second place. The Monegasque driver even pressured race leader George Russell early in the 50-lap event. However, Leclerc’s aggressive pace wore out his tires, forcing an early pit stop.
As the race unfolded, Leclerc clawed his way back into podium contention. After his second pit stop, he rejoined the track narrowly ahead of Sainz. It was here that tensions began to rise.
Bozzi’s Warning and Leclerc’s Response
Ferrari race engineer Bryan Bozzi informed Leclerc of team orders to keep Sainz from attacking:
“Carlos has been told to not overtake but it is really close, you might be just in front. He has been told to not put you under pressure. So just take care of your tyres.”
Despite this, Sainz overtook Leclerc, prompting the frustrated driver to quip:
“Maybe try in Spanish.”
Sainz went on to secure third place, finishing three seconds ahead of Leclerc.
Leclerc’s Profanity-Laden Rant
Leclerc’s frustration was evident in his post-race radio exchange with Bozzi:
Bozzi: “Pick up please.”
Leclerc: “Yes, whatever you want, as always.”
Bozzi: “Charles, you did your job. Okay. Thank you.”
Leclerc: “Yeah, I did my job. But being nice fks me all the fking time. All the fking 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… Oh my fking god.”
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur eventually intervened:
“Charles! Charles!”
Tensions Between Ferrari Teammates
This is not the first time Leclerc and Sainz have clashed this season.
- Spanish GP Drama: Leclerc expressed frustration over Sainz’s moves during the race. Sainz responded, “It’s too many times that he complains after the race about something.”
- Silverstone Qualifying Incident: Leclerc accused Sainz of sabotaging his lap with a late overtake, sarcastically stating, “Nice Carlos, nice, good overtake in the last corner.”
Despite these incidents, Leclerc has downplayed the rivalry:
“It’s blown out of proportion, I think, with Carlos. We have a great relationship.”
Ferrari’s Constructors’ Championship Push
Beating both McLarens in Las Vegas, Ferrari narrowed the gap in the Constructors’ Championship to just 24 points with two races remaining. While their team performance shines, internal tensions between Leclerc and Sainz remain a subplot to watch as the 2024 F1 season nears its climax.
