Charles Leclerc claims he has to “think for myself” from now on following a frustrating 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Frustrations As Championship Fight Continues
“I won’t go into detail. I’m not happy,” said Leclerc during his post-race interview.
Leclerc finished the race in fourth position, behind Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz who took the final podium position behind the Mercedes’ of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
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Although this result puts Ferrari just 24 points behind McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship, and Leclerc 21 points behind Lando Norris in the Drivers’ Championship, it was clear that tensions between the Monegasque and Ferrari were still high.
“Why am I not happy? Because there are things we say to each other first and then they go differently. In the end today, we did our best. For the team, nothing changes, but for me I’m battling with Norris for the Drivers’ World Championship. From now on I have to think for myself.”
As It Happened
Starting the race in fourth position, Leclerc managed to make up two positions at the start, getting ahead of Sainz and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly who both ran slightly deep at the first corner.
However, with Leclerc behind polesitter Russell, it was clear that the Medium compound of tyre that Leclerc was using was quickly dropping off.
“I was pretty confident we had a good car […] on the tyres, and a nicer car than them [Mercedes] but actually I think I overdid it a little bit so then I payed the price in the first stint,” said Leclerc.
“I think I did my part on the first stint obviously when I had tyres that were completely gone. I didn’t want to fight at that point so I let Carlos by and the rest.”
With Leclerc dropping below teammate Sainz and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in the first stint, he pitted early onto the Hard compound.
As Sainz fell behind Leclerc once again after his pitstop, radio messages relayed to Leclerc later made it appear as though Sainz was being told to follow team orders and stay behind the Monegasque.
“Carlos has been told to not overtake but it is really close,” it was relayed to Leclerc. “He has been told to not put you under pressure.”
However, Sainz proceeded to overtake Leclerc.
Later, it was once again relayed to Leclerc that “we will swap cars into next corner.”
However, once again, this team order was not followed, with Sainz finishing in third position and Leclerc in fourth.
“Every time there are these kinds of frustrations there is not the background for everybody, there is just no need for me to go into details of everything that’s discussed” said Leclerc “We will discuss it within the team.”
Maximising Potential
Despite the apparent frustrations, Leclerc still believed that Ferrari maximised their potential at the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
“It was a track where we had to be pretty fast. The Mercedes was untouchable, we got the best possible result.”
With Verstappen also being crowned World Champion, making it his fourth consecutive title, Leclerc congratulated the Dutch driver.
“Well done to him. He had an exceptional season, he deserves it.”
Featured Image Credit: Scuderia Ferrari
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