Lewis Hamilton will be Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari team-mate in 2025 (Image: Getty Images)
Charles Leclerc unleashed a tirade of expletives over the team radio after being bested by his team-mate – and the situation may spark some concerns for the 2025 season.
The Monegasque driver had a brilliant start in Las Vegas, swiftly moving from fourth to second, but his aggressive pursuit of leader took its toll on his tyres, necessitating a more cautious approach.
Despite emerging from his second pit stop ahead, Leclerc was informed that Sainz had been instructed to maintain positions.
However, Sainz overtook him regardless, prompting Leclerc to suggest post-race that perhaps the order should have been given in Sainz’s mother tongue of Spanish, as he clearly disregarded it, leaving Leclerc in fourth place and visibly irate.
His frustration boiled over when he responded to his engineer’s thanks for his efforts with a scathing: “Yeah I did my job. But being nice f**ks me all the f***ing time. All the f***ing time. It’s not even being nice, it’s just being respectful, I know I need to shut up but at one point is always the same so… Oh my f***ing god.”
Charles Leclerc was irate at the Las Vegas Grand Prix (Image: Getty Images)
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When prompted to speak again, he retorted: “F***ing pick up what the f**k you want.” He then realised his team could hear his words, adding: “And the radio is on, I am sorry.”
This outburst led to an intervention from team principal Fred Vasseur in an attempt to defuse the heated situation.
Sainz is set to make a departure from the Italian squad and join Williams, paving the way for to fill his seat.
Leclerc, having previously expressed frustration with Sainz’s behaviour, will soon face new team dynamics with the entry of the seven-time world champion next season.
There will not be a named No.1 driver but Hamilton’s senior status has led many to assume he will be given priority for upgrades and in team order situations, provided he is driving well and challenging high up the standings.
hope to harness their strong driving talents while balancing their competitive natures which Leclerc also hopes. “I am super excited to be working alongside him,” he said.
“To be, yes, learning from him but at the same time it’s such an exciting challenge for me to be in the same car as such a successful driver and to be able to show what I am capable of.
“Both of us will want to beat each other, that’s the way it is in F1, but I’m sure it will be a healthy competition.”