Leclerc is disappointed: “Without the Safety Car the race was ours”

Charles Leclerc crossed the line second last weekend in Las Vegas. The Monegasque Ferrari driver had a great chance of victory, but his strategy did not suit him. Leclerc states that without the Safety Car situations he could have won the race.

Leclerc started the race from pole position, but was already overtaken by Max Verstappen at the start. However, the duo shot straight ahead and according to the stewards this was Verstappen’s fault. The Dutchman was given a five-second time penalty and Leclerc managed to overtake him again. When the Safety Car then entered the track, many drivers dived in. However, Leclerc stayed on track and Verstappen managed to overtake him again.

Leclerc was satisfied with his second place. The Monegasque overtook Sergio Perez on the final lap to secure this position. Leclerc believes victory was possible and is quoted by Motorsport.com: “Without the Safety Car the race would have been ours. They then went in and I stayed out on five lap hards. That’s normally not a problem, but when the tires cool down it is more difficult to warm up used tires. That’s where we lost the race.”