Ferrari Team Principal Defends Leclerc: 'It Was Not The Charles' Fault'

Tuesday, 07 November 2023 at 13:00

Scuderia Ferrari F1 team principal Frederic Vasseur defended Charles Leclerc after his crash during the 2023 Sao Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos Circuit.

Charles Leclerc encountered unlucky problems during each of the previous two races In Austin and Mexico City, and his misfortune streak continued last weekend in Sao Paulo.

During the United States Grand Prix, he started from the pole position and looked like he could challenge for the podium, but he had the worst race strategy and got even disqualified after the race.

In Mexico City, the Monegasque driver started from the pole again but collided with Sergio Perez in the first corner, which damaged the left part of his front wing. However, he did not give up and finished P3.

In Sao Paulo, Leclerc was set to start from the second place on the grid but encountered issues with his car during the formation lap as he lost hydraulics and his engine cut off.

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As a result, the 26-year-old went spinning into the wall and had to retire before the race even started. His team principal, Frederic Vasseur, told the media after the race.

"It's very frustrating for Charles and for the team. The issue also is that strategically, over the weekend, we put all the effort into the long run to save tires."

The Ferrari team went all in on the Sunday race when the team saved up fresh soft tires for Leclerc, which would give him an advantage compared to Max Verstappen in the first place.

"We didn't put new tires on for the Sprint, and we didn't take the start [of the Grand Prix]. For sure, it's frustrating, it was more than disappointing, but I'm sure that he will be back we'll be focused on Vegas."

The Monegasque driver took a hit on social media as multiple F1 fans blamed the incident on his driving skills. Vasseur explained there was nothing Leclerc could do.

"It was not the Charles' fault at all that. Someone told me about social media, they were complaining about Charles, but without the gearbox and the power steering, you can't do anything."