Leclerc's reaction following Antonelli's shooting incident.
In the recent Formula 1 GP held at Zandvoort, Charles Leclerc experienced an unfortunate retirement due to a collision with Kimi Antonelli during lap 53. The incident eliminated Lewis Hamilton from the race 30 laps earlier.
Kimi Antonelli, a 19-year-old Italian driver currently racing for the Mercedes team in the 2025 season, apologised to Ferrari directly after the race for his part in the collision. According to Leclerc, Antonelli was aggressive during the duel and touched his left rear tire, causing the incident.
Leclerc, an eight-time Grand Prix winner, did not attribute the incident to Antonelli's inexperience, stating that such mistakes can happen in the first year or the fifth year. Fred Vasseur, the team principal of Ferrari, agreed with Leclerc's analysis, stating that Antonelli took a risk and made a mistake.
The question is posed: What grades have the 20 Formula 1 drivers deserved for the race weekend in Zandvoort?
The strategy used by Ferrari is a topic of differing opinions. Leclerc's tires were still in good condition at the time of the pit stop, which was necessitated to fight against Hadjar, according to Vasseur. Leclerc, however, was understanding about the pit stop decision after the race.
Leclerc stated that such aggressive maneuvers are necessary on a track like Zandvoort for overtaking. Vasseur also praised Antonelli for apologising immediately after the race, but the incident has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the weekend for both drivers and their teams.
As the dust settles on the Zandvoort GP, the focus now shifts to the next race, with drivers and teams eager to put the incident behind them and focus on the challenges ahead.
