Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc expressed dissatisfaction with his SF-24 during the second practice session at the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Monagasque racer had a rocky start to the weekend, having crashed out in the first practice session. In FP1, the 26-year-old lost control of his car at the challenging Turn 15, colliding with the wall and causing damage to the front wing and corner. As FP2 began, Leclerc continued to struggle with the car’s performance and requested the tIn a recent interview with Sky Sports, Charles Leclerc shared his perspective on the situation surrounding Adrian Newey, the renowned aerodynamicist who recently left Red Bull Racing.
Leclerc emphasized that he does not feel disappointment regarding Newey’s decision to pursue opportunities outside of Ferrari. He clarified that his feelings would have been different if the team had not made a concerted effort to engage with Newey.
“We did have a conversation as a team,” Leclerc stated, highlighting the proactive approach Ferrari took in reaching out to the esteemed engineer. Ultimately, he acknowledged that Newey made his own choice, and Leclerc expressed his full respect for that decision, particularly as it involves collaborating with one of Newey’s favorite drivers, Fernando Alonso.
Leclerc underscored Ferrari’s longstanding philosophy of prioritizing the team over any individual, a sentiment that resonates deeply within the organization. He recognized Newey’s exceptional talent and impressive track record in the world of Formula 1, noting that his contributions to the sport are undeniable. However, Leclerc also expressed his unwavering confidence in the capabilities of the Ferrari team, asserting that they possess remarkable talent and the right personnel to reclaim their status at the pinnacle of motorsport.
While Leclerc conveyed his best wishes for Newey in his new endeavors, he also made it clear that his ultimate hope is for Ferrari to achieve success on the track. The context of this discussion is significant, as reports had previously indicated that Ferrari was a strong contender to sign Newey after he announced his departure from Red Bull ahead of the Miami Grand Prix earlier this year. Recently, Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, shed light on the situation, revealing that while discussions with Newey did take place, there were “different ideas” regarding expectations from both sides.
This divergence in vision ultimately contributed to the decision not to move forward with the collaboration, but Leclerc’s comments reflect a broader commitment to the team’s future and a belief in their potential to excel, regardless of individual departures.eam to analyze the data for potential issues. However, when the team couldn’t identify the problem he was experiencing, he voiced his frustration over the radio, stating, “It’s impossible that you can’t see the problem. Impossible.
Guys, I’m not driving with this car anymore.” Despite these challenges, Leclerc entered the Azerbaijan GP buoyed by his recent victory at the Italian GP earlier in the month. He also mentioned that he wasn’t upset about Ferrari’s inability to secure Adrian Newey for the upcoming season, as the renowned designer opted to join Aston Martin instead.
“Charles Leclerc’s Meltdown: ‘I’m Done with This Car!’ – F1 Azerbaijan GP FP2 Shock”
