A few days after the controversy that arose at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc showed up at the press conference in Lusail with a clear objective: to turn the page and focus on the fight for the Constructors' title. Tensions with teammate Carlos Sainz have been a constant, especially after the meeting with team principal Frederic Vasseur, but the Monegasque seems ready to put the differences aside for the good of the team.
Las Vegas: Between Tensions and Clarifications
The Las Vegas Grand Prix left heavy aftermath for Ferrari. The race was characterized by an internal fight between Leclerc and Sainz, culminating with the exchange of positions several times during the race. At the end of the race, which ended with Sainz on the podium and Leclerc fourth, the Monegasque did not hide his frustration, venting on the radio with words that went around the paddock. Leclerc later admitted that he had crossed the line with his language, but reiterated that his disappointment was only related to the management of the race.
Following the episode, Frederic Vasseur immediately called both drivers for a clarifying meeting. The team principal asked for “loyal collaboration” between the two, reiterating that the Constructors’ title is still at stake and that internal dynamics cannot compromise the final objective. According to journalist Leo Turrini, the drivers accepted Vasseur’s message and promised to work together for the good of the team.
Leclerc's words in Qatar: unity and determination
In the press conference, Leclerc wanted to shift the focus to the future: “I don't want to go back to what happened in Las Vegas. We discussed and clarified everything, which is the most important thing. Carlos and I just want to win the Constructors' title, and we know that to do that we have to work together. There will be no problems in that regard."
The Monegasque also acknowledged that discussions and confrontations are nothing new in the relationship with his teammate: "Sometimes I have gone a bit too far, other times it happened to him. But we look each other in the eye, we understand each other and we move forward. We know that an opportunity like this, to win the Constructors' Championship, doesn't come around often, and we have to make the most of it."
A decisive weekend in Qatar
Leclerc knows that the Lusail circuit may not be the most favorable to Ferrari, but he says he is confident in the team's chances: "On paper it doesn't look like our best circuit, but we are extremely motivated to prove otherwise. This year we have improved a lot in managing the races and making the most of every situation, something we lacked in the past."
In Qatar, Ferrari will have to defend itself from the assault of McLaren, which has a 24-point advantage in the Constructors' World Championship. The Sprint Race adds further uncertainty to what promises to be a pivotal weekend. For Leclerc, there is also the possibility of finishing the Drivers' championship in second place, equalling his best career result: “I’m not thrilled about a second place, but in a season like this it would mean a lot. It would be a nice bonus.”
Source statements: FormulaPassion
