Leclerc Disappointed By 'Wrong Headlines' Putting His Words About Sainz Out Of Context

Thursday, 19 December 2024 at 10:00

Charles Leclerc criticized journalists for putting his words about teammate Carlos Sainz out of context amid his emotional departure.

Carlos Sainz is leaving the Scuderia Ferrari F1 team after the end of the 2024 season. Although he is on his way out, the Spaniard managed to maintain good relationships with everyone.

To show their gratitude, Ferrari prepared an emotional final track day for Carlos Sainz Jr. and his father, Carlos Sainz Sr., at a private circuit in Fiorano. They both shared the track driving F1-75s (Ferrari's 2022 F1 car).

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Charles Leclerc was present at the private test as well, even though he didn't drive anything. The Monegasque came only to support his friend on his last track day with Ferrari.

The 27-year-old said many super positive and nice things about Sainz in the last couple of months as they prepared to part ways at the end of the season.

However, one of his quotes where he said he is not going to miss Sainz because he will be 20 meters away in the paddock got put out of context, and the Leclerc didn't like it. He said:

"I've seen some wrong headlines in the past few days. My words have been put a little bit out of context. Especially in the fact that I won't miss Carlos."

"I was just saying that because he's 20 meters away in the paddock. Honestly, I've had an incredible relationship with Carlos."

"Really, in terms of person, he's such a good person. We've always had a really, really good relationship."

Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were pretty closely matched throughout the 2024 season, which meant they met on track during races quite often, and being as competitive as they are, it sometimes resulted in controversial moments.

However, the Monegasque pointed out that even though he and the 30-year-old Spanish F1 driver might have said some things about each other (like in Las Vegas) in the heat of the moment, it doesn't change anything about their "really good" relationship.

"Yes, we've had our tensions on the track sometimes but it's normal. I think the thing I'll remember is that every time there was this kind of thing, we always got out a bit stronger and closer together."

"We have a really, really good relationship. We also have a lot of things that we share outside the track."

"I'm sure that even though [Sainz] won't be in red next year, we'll most likely travel together on the races to spend some time together. Because our relationship is really good. So yes, I wish him the best."