Charles Leclerc, then the race leader, faced a stroke of bad luck in Barcelona
While luck was on his side at the beginning of the season, the statistics have just caught up with the Ferrari driver, as he retired while leading the Spanish Grand Prix and his title rival, Max Verstappen, was experiencing issues.
It is the first retirement of the season and it hurts the Ferrari driver. In addition to retiring due to a mechanical issue while leading the race, he subsequently loses the first place in the drivers’ world championship to Max Verstappen.
Charles Leclerc had so far had an almost perfect Spanish weekend. Author of the pole position well ahead of the rest of the grid, he was able to make a good start and keep Verstappen’s Red Bull behind him. However, on the 27th lap, fate was going to decide otherwise.
Forced to return to his pit due to a problem undoubtedly related to the engine, the Monegasque driver does not hide his dismay. “I lost power from the engine and from there I had to stop because there was a problem. I don’t know exactly what it is, but it hurts.”
On Canal+, the Monegasque driver tries to stay positive, especially regarding the tire degradation, which seems to have decreased during this race thanks to the new aerodynamic package. « After that, there are many positive aspects. We have finally solved the tire degradation problem. It’s truly the answer we were looking for, and we have shown that we are very fast. »
Max Verstappen has experienced two retirements this season in 6 races. Charles Leclerc is therefore caught up by the statistics. He, who had not retired yet in 2022, is now paying the price for it today and is concerned about this issue for the upcoming races.
« We will have to look at this engine issue so that it doesn’t come back during the season. That’s how it is… It has been happening since the beginning of the year, we haven’t had a problem. It can happen to us too. The engineers have done a good job this season to have a good package, but it happens, we will make sure to come back stronger.
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Next race of the season at home for Charles Leclerc in the principality of Monaco. He admits that the challenge will be to finish the race…
« Yes, in Monaco it’s going to be important, but like this Grand Prix was as well, and all the others throughout the year when you play a championship, you know. Anyway, I hope I’ll be able to finish this Grand Prix at home.
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