Charles Leclerc Brushes Off Concerns Over Ferrari Team Dynamics Amid Spanish GP Clash with Carlos Sainz
After a Tense Encounter
After a tense on-track encounter with Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz at the Spanish Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc has expressed confidence that their relationship remains unaffected. The incident in question saw Sainz overtake Leclerc on the third lap, causing slight front wing damage that Leclerc believes cost him fourth place to Mercedes’ George Russell.
“For our relationship, not at all.”
Following the race, Leclerc and Sainz, who will part ways at the end of the season when Lewis Hamilton joins Ferrari, had a conversation on their shared flight home to diffuse any tension. When asked if he worried about the impact of the incident on their partnership, Leclerc replied, “For our relationship, not at all.”
Managing the Tension
Leclerc emphasized that the tension between them was a normal result of the heat of the moment, adding that they have been able to manage such situations in the past by speaking openly with each other. He stated, “We are both in the heat of the moment, disappointed with each other, and then we speak together and all is good.”
The Monegasque driver also suggested that Sainz’s aggressive move might have been driven by a desire to make a splash in his home Grand Prix. Despite Sainz’s impending departure, Leclerc denied that their working relationship has changed, saying, “No, we’ve been working very, very well.”
Confident in Their Partnership
Leclerc acknowledged that the dynamics between teammates can be tricky, especially when they are closely matched. However, he expressed confidence in their ability to deal with such situations through open communication. With the Austrian GP on the horizon, Leclerc is confident that their partnership will remain strong, saying, “Sometimes I’ll go a bit over the limit, sometimes Carlos will go a little bit over the limit, and then it’s all about speaking to each other and reset.”
As the Formula 1 schedule moves forward, fans can expect the intense rivalry between Leclerc and Sainz to continue, with the current Formula 1 standings reflecting the close battle between Ferrari and Mercedes. Despite the tension, Leclerc is focused on the upcoming races, including the Austrian GP, where he will look to bolster his position in the Formula 1 standings.
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