New tensions between Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in Las Vegas
Third and fourth at the finish of the Grand Prix, the two drivers undoubtedly maximized the result facing the superior pace of the Mercedes. However, neither of them was truly satisfied at the end of the Grand Prix after team orders were not followed.
This is a collaboration ending that could take a bad turn. After encouraging results in recent weeks, tensions flared up during the Brazilian and Las Vegas Grand Prix. Between mixed performances and questionable strategies, the atmosphere within the Italian team deteriorates, especially on Leclerc’s side, who finished fourth in the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
A race spoiled according to Leclerc
After a very good start, Leclerc found himself in second position and even attacked Russell for the lead. However, he put a lot of strain on his tires and is therefore one of the first drivers to have stopped at the pits. Back on the podium after the first pit stops, the former Alfa Romeo Sauber driver had to make a second stop on the 32nd lap. Leaving the pits just ahead of his teammate, his engineer Bryan Bozzi indicated to him that there would be no problem with Sainz as he had received the order not to overtake Leclerc. « Carlos has been ordered not to overtake you, but it’s really tight, you could be just ahead. He has been informed not to put pressure on you. So, take care of your tires. »
Nevertheless, with fresher tires, the Spanish driver decided not to follow his team’s instructions and immediately took the lead over his teammate. Annoyed, Leclerc sarcastically replied to his engineer: « Maybe try it in Spanish. » Ultimately fourth at the end of the race, only three seconds behind Sainz, the winner of the Monaco and Monza races this season did not hold back his anger when he took to the radio after the race to send messages to his engineer.
« Bring back the car, please. » He first indicated Bozzi to him. « Charles, you did your job. Okay. Thank you. » However, Leclerc did not show the same courtesy, preferring to exclaim several swear words against his team. « Yes, whatever you want, as always. Yes, I did my job. But being nice, it screws me over every time. Every damn time. It’s not even about being nice, it’s just about being respectful. I know I should stay quiet, but at some point, it’s always the same, so… » Uncontrollable rage that forced Ferrari boss Frédéric Vasseur to take the radio to calm down his driver.
Recurring tensions
This is not the first time frictions have arisen between the two drivers. During the Spanish Grand Prix, Leclerc had already criticized Sainz for an attack deemed aggressive, while the team had asked to preserve the tires. Sainz had then reacted, reproaching his teammate for complaining too much: « He complains about something after the race too many times. » Despite these disagreements, Leclerc believes that their partnership remains beneficial for Ferrari: « I am quite active on social media, so I see what is being said everywhere. It’s exaggerated, I think, with Carlos. We have an excellent relationship. »
With only two Grand Prix left before the end of the season, Ferrari must imperatively address these internal issues. The goal is twofold: to finish the season on a positive note and secure a good position in the constructors’ championship. The collaboration between Leclerc and Sainz will end at the end of the year, with Carlos Sainz joining Williams for 2025. In the meantime, the Las Vegas episode should not overshadow the efforts of the Italian team, which hopes for a peaceful resolution in the upcoming races, particularly in Qatar this weekend.
