Charles Leclerc Defies Direct Order From Fred Vasseur and Co as Qualifying Frustrations Puts Ferrari Driver on Edge

Charles Leclerc, having won the last round in Monaco was looking to challenge Max Verstappen for the title fight with only 31 points between the two. Ferrari was expected to be strong in Canada whereas some worries circled the paddock around the RB20, which is known to be harsh around riding the curbs. However as the Qualifying session unfolded, Leclerc’s Q2 exit led to the Monegasque defying the direct orders of Frederic Vasseur and Co. But what did the Ferrari driver do?

Ferrari looked to struggle around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve during the practice session but many wrote it off as the Scuderia not taking out the sandbags. However, the Canadian GP qualifying session revealed the reality as Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were eliminated in the Q2 session, requiring them to start the race in P11 and P12 tomorrow. From two cars on the podium in Monaco to getting out in Q2, it was quite a shock for the Tifosi and the Ferrari drivers themselves. 

Charles Leclerc complained of the car feeling slow during the practice session and was seemingly frustrated after the Q2 exit. As his engineer confirmed the result, Leclerc advised on not talking about what happened on the radio. After the session as Leclerc arrived in the media pen, a Ferrari PR member showed Leclerc what was to be expected from him to say to the media. However, the Monegasque disregarded the instructions and was heard saying, “It’s okay. I will say what I want.”

Charles Leclerc seemingly looked disappointed and frustrated with Ferrari’s performance around Montreal even during the interview’s post-qualifying. Let’s see what the Monegasque had to say after suggesting he would say what he wants. 

Charles Leclerc slams SF24’s pace for the Canadian GP Qualifying disaster

Canada isn’t that different of a track when compared to Monaco considering it has loads of slow-speed corners and chicanes where traction is crucial. The SF24 is known to be great in the traction zones and around the slow-speed corners. Hence Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz’s Q2 exit was a shock. Charles Leclerc in the post-qualifying interviews blamed the SF24’s pace as the main reason behind their poor qualifying.

Lawrence Baretto in the media pen asked Charles Leclerc about what happened in Q2 that upset the Monegasque. The Ferrari driver replied, “Just slow, slow all day. Simulations also this morning [FP3], I had a sensor issue which was very annoying. Then the management of the session wasn’t the best I think. It’s been a tough session. I will say the biggest problem is the pace. We are so slow in the dry at the moment. We don’t understand, so it’s a bit strange to go from a really good weekend in Monaco in terms of pace and get here and be on the back foot.”

Will Charles Leclerc and Ferrari be able to get back into the Top 5 tomorrow?