In a thrilling race at Imola, Charles Leclerc’s request for DRS from Lewis Hamilton was turned down, sparking post-race discussions.
- Leclerc believed it was the last lap due to a steering wheel issue, leading to his bold request for Hamilton to give him DRS.
- Ferrari’s strategy was to let Hamilton chase Oscar Piastri for a potential P3, which Leclerc initially questioned due to his dash error.
- Leclerc expressed frustration over Ferrari’s current situation, emphasizing his willingness to take risks from P11.
- Despite being instructed to let Alex Albon pass, Leclerc justified his aggressive racing style and expressed no regrets.
In a dramatic turn of events at Imola, tensions flared as Charles Leclerc’s strategic request for DRS assistance from Lewis Hamilton was denied. Leclerc, who was alongside Hamilton late in the race, asked him to drop back and give him DRS, but the request was not fulfilled. The reason? A misunderstanding stemming from Leclerc’s faulty steering wheel display.
Leclerc’s dashboard error led him to believe it was the final lap, prompting the urgent DRS request as he thought Hamilton’s pursuit of Oscar Piastri was futile. “My dash was a lap or two out, so I thought it was the last lap,” Leclerc admitted in a conversation with Sky F1. However, with two or three laps remaining, the Ferrari team clarified the situation, leading to Leclerc’s acceptance of the strategy.
Ferrari’s decision not to assist Leclerc with DRS was driven by the chance for Hamilton to catch up to Piastri, who was in P3 at the time. Although initially resistant due to his dashboard confusion, Leclerc understood the rationale after the team’s explanation. “I was like ‘no way Lewis can get Oscar’,” he reflected, once the truth of the lap count was revealed. Regardless, the team had other plans for Leclerc, instructing him to permit Alex Albon to overtake him.
Despite his acceptance of the strategy during the race, Leclerc was vocal about his dissatisfaction with Ferrari’s current standing, advocating for a more aggressive approach. Starting from P11, he felt the need to seize every opportunity on the track, even if it meant taking risks. He stated, “I mean, as a driver, I just cannot accept the situation we are in and so I took risks.” Leclerc was adamant that his maneuvers, even those bordering on the aggressive, were within racing norms.
The race also highlighted Leclerc’s spirited interaction with Alex Albon, an encounter that drew the attention of race officials. Late in the race, Leclerc was required to yield position to Albon after appearing to have pushed him off the track. Despite this, Leclerc remained unapologetic, insisting that his tactics were within the rules. “In the way the rules are written, I was right on the limit,” he defended his actions. Overall, Leclerc expressed contentment with his performance, despite the odds.
Leclerc’s bold moves at Imola underscore his determination amidst challenging circumstances, highlighting the intense dynamics of Formula 1 strategy.
