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via Reuters

via Reuters

Charles Leclerc is out of the French GP! The Ferrari driver was comfortably leading the race and he lost control of his car and crashed into the barriers. The fortunes are once again not on his side and this is certainly a huge blow to his championship aspirations.

It was an unforced error from Leclerc who lost his rear at turn 11. The Italian team and Leclerc weathered the early storm as Verstappen tried to close down the gap. He started the race positively as he covered his championship rival, but struggled with tire degradation.

via Reuters

The track temperature was over 50 degrees Celsius at the Paul Ricard circuit. So, the Monegasque, who started on medium tires, suffered massive degradation before crashing in turn 11. Verstappen, meanwhile, pitted just before the incident and is on course to take another victory.

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A frustrated Leclerc bemoaned on the radio and could not believe his luck. He was once again forced to retire, but there might have been an issue with the car, as he indicated. Asked whether he is alright, a heavily breathing Leclerc replied, “I cannot go on the throttle. Noooo!”

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This is certainly another turning point in the championship race. Another Ferrari error has handed Red Bull another boost. The loyal Ferrari faithful, meanwhile, could not believe his luck and they expressed their disappointment on twitter.

F1 Twitter reacts to Charles Leclerc crash

This is Leclerc’s third retirement of the season after Spain and Baku. Ferrari fans cannot believe that the team has once again failed to gain an advantage over Red Bull after fighting off Verstappen in the early part of the race.

Verstappen and Hamilton have clear sight for victory and they will hope to capitalize on Leclerc’s errors. Sainz, meanwhile, has moved up places and is in points position. He will look to finish the Grand Prix on a high note.

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For Charles Leclerc, however, things are not going to plan. He was already 38 points behind Verstappen and now the gap will increase. Can Leclerc catch Verstappen now?