Charles Leclerc has opened up about the mistake that cost him the win at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. After starting strong and leading the race, Leclerc found himself in second place behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.
“I realized we couldn’t win as soon as we switched to hard tires,” Leclerc confessed, via Sky Sports F1.
Initially, Leclerc maintained his lead into Turn 1, showcasing impressive speed on medium tires. However, he struggled after switching tires, which became clear when he experienced difficulties managing the car.
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He noted, “The medium tires felt great, but we didn’t do enough high-fuel running beforehand, and our setup might have complicated things during the race.” Leclerc found it challenging to control the rear tires and worried about crashing as he fought to keep the car steady.
His struggles were evident to his competitors, and Piastri seized the opportunity to clinch his second Grand Prix victory, successfully holding off Leclerc until the end.
“McLaren and Oscar executed things perfectly today,” Leclerc admitted.
The race itself was thrilling. The first lap went smoothly, but soon it turned into a strategic showdown among drivers. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez aimed for a podium finish but collided with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, landing both in the wall and hampering their chances. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen faced his own challenges, finishing fifth.
Despite the disappointment, Leclerc was able to add valuable points for Ferrari, especially since Sainz did not finish the race. “McLaren seemed to have less downforce and were quick on the straights. I couldn’t defend as well at the end of the straight; it’s a lesson learned,” he reflected.
This race marks a significant victory for McLaren, now at the top of the Constructor’s Standings, indicating a potential shift for the rest of the season.
2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix Results
1. Oscar Piastri
2. Charles Leclerc
3. George Russell
4. Lando Norris
5. Max Verstappen
6. Fernando Alonso
7. Alex Albon
8. Franco Colapinto
9. Lewis Hamilton
10. Ollie Bearman
11. Nico Hulkenberg
12. Pierre Gasly
13. Daniel Ricciardo
14. Zhou Guanyu
15. Esteban Ocon
16. Valtteri Bottas
17. Carlos Sainz – DNF
18. Sergio Perez – DNF
19. Lance Stroll – DNF
20. Yuki Tsunoda – DNF