The Las Vegas Grand Prix delivered no shortage of drama, and Charles Leclerc once again found himself at the center of controversy. After a fiery outburst on team radio criticizing Ferraris strategy, Sky Sports commentator and F1 veteran Martin Brundle pulled no punches, slamming Leclerc for what he called a silly error that contributed to his struggles during the race.
Leclercs frustrations boiled over during the race after a series of strategic missteps by Ferrari. At one point, the Monegasque driver lashed out at his team, shouting, This is ridiculous! What are we even doing? The heated exchange highlighted ongoing tensions between Leclerc and Ferraris pit wall, who have struggled to maintain clear communication throughout the season.
While much of the blame initially fell on Ferrari for their questionable decisions, Brundle offered a different perspective, calling out Leclerc for a key mistake during the race.
Speaking during his post-race analysis, Brundle didnt hold back in his criticism of Leclerc.
Charles is an incredibly talented driver, but that was a silly error out there today, Brundle said. You cant put all the blame on the team when youre making mistakes on the track yourself.
Brundle was referring to an incident where Leclerc ran wide during a crucial overtaking attempt, costing him valuable time and leaving him vulnerable to being overtaken.
Hes under immense pressure, no doubt about it, but part of being a top driver is keeping a cool head even when things arent going your way, Brundle added.
When asked about Brundles comments after the race, Leclerc appeared to take them in stride but defended his actions.
I made a mistake, yes, but when youre pushed into these situations by bad strategy, its hard to stay focused, Leclerc said. Ill take responsibility for my part, but the team also needs to step up.
Leclercs remarks suggest that while he acknowledges his error, he believes Ferraris broader issues played a significant role in the outcome.
The Las Vegas GP added another chapter to Ferraris difficult season, with both Leclerc and teammate Carlos Sainz struggling to compete against Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren. Despite flashes of brilliance, Ferraris inconsistency in race strategy has repeatedly cost them crucial points.
Team principal Frédéric Vasseur acknowledged the teams struggles, saying, We made mistakes today, but its a collective effort. We win together, and we lose together.
Brundles criticism sparked mixed reactions from fans and analysts.
Some agreed with Brundle, arguing that Leclerc needs to take more responsibility for his performance.
Leclerc is a great driver, but hes not perfect. He cant blame Ferrari for everything, one fan tweeted.
Others, however, defended Leclerc, pointing to Ferraris long history of strategic blunders.
Its easy to criticize Leclerc, but lets not forget how often Ferrari sets him up for failure, another fan wrote.
Whats Next for Leclerc and Ferrari?
As the season winds down, the pressure is mounting on Ferrari to address their issues and provide Leclerc with the support he needs to succeed. For Leclerc, the focus remains on maintaining composure and minimizing errors as he pushes for better results.
While Martin Brundles harsh critique adds to the scrutiny, it also underscores the high expectations placed on Leclerc as one of the sports top talents. Whether Ferrari can rise to the challenge and deliver for their star driver remains to be seen.
The Las Vegas GP showcased both Charles Leclercs immense talent and the challenges he faces within Ferraris system. While his outburst and subsequent mistake drew sharp criticism from Martin Brundle, it also highlighted the immense pressure and frustration building within the team.
With the 2025 season looming, Ferrari has little time to waste if they hope to turn things around and keep their star driver happy.