In the tense hours before his triumph, a cryptic message raced through the Tifosi paddock swiftly. Amidst the celebration, a seemingly playful yet chilling warning sparked conversations among the fans. Using his signature wit, Charles Leclerc delivered a birthday taunt to Fred Vasseur, shrouded in mystery and teeming with implications. The events during those crucial moments continue to puzzle, leaving the fans to ponder the enigmatic showdown on the track.
Following his birthday on October 16, the entire Ferrari garage wished Charles Leclerc a happy birthday with a cake for him. Amidst the celebration, Leclerc was quite thankful but did not shy away from warning Frederic Vasseur. Particularly to not repeat what happened with his teammate back in the Italian Grand Prix.
Provocative birthday warning from Charles Leclerc to Vasseur
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Before clinching pole position at the qualifying session of the 2023 United States Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc was surprised by his team with a beautiful birthday cake, for the Monégasque’s 26th birthday. However, during his celebration, the Ferrari team principal, Frederic Vasseur, tried doing his mandatory tradition.
Vasseur is known for having tried to put cake on his driver’s face on their birthday, at least in Ferrari he is. Back in the Italian Grand Prix 2022, he famously tried to push Sainz’s head into a cake on his birthday. However, Carlos Sainz was able to avoid it, thanks to his laser-fast reactions. Moreover, this kind of prank is a bit of a tradition in F1. It is often seen as a way to show camaraderie and celebrate a driver’s special day.
View this post on Instagram
Whilst clicking pictures together in a cheeky manner, Vasseur tried to repeat his trickery. However, the former Sauber driver was having none of it. In a playful and calm tone, Leclerc said, “No, don’t even try!!“ If I was wearing that beautiful Ferrari shirt, I’d say the same. Don’t you dare ruin it, Vasseur!
READ MORE: “For F*ck’s Sake”: Minutes After Outburst, Charles Leclerc Contradicts Himself to Play It Cool
Thankfully, Frederic Vasseur was not in the same mood that he was during Sainz’s birthday, as Leclerc later managed to snatch the pole position away from Max Verstappen. What an amazing race weekend he can potentially have! First, not having his face ruined with cake by Vasseur. Second, finishing ahead of Verstappen on the pole. A victory at the COTA would be cherry on the top!
Can Leclerc get his first win of 2023 at the US GP?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The United States Grand Prix carries a lot of significance for Leclerc. Not only can he get his first win of the 2023 F1 season. But he can also rectify his ‘error-prone’ driving. On top of that, this will also be his 100th Grand Prix. Despite him being the face of Ferrari, it has been Carlos Sainz who has been doing the heavy lifting for the Tifosi.
With Lewis Hamilton racing at his favorite track, along with McLaren’s Lando Norris, the start of the race will be absolutely critical. Especially in determining who will prevail and claim at COTA. Moreover, with Carlos Sainz behind at fourth place. It’ll be interesting to see if the Monégasque driver will be able to handle the Carlos Sainz vs. Charles Leclerc battle.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY | How Long Will Charles Leclerc Wait for Ferrari – Will He Leave for Some Other Team Post-2024?
With Leclerc claiming pole position and thwarting a prank, the US Grand Prix holds immense promise. Amidst the Hamilton-Norris challenge, his first win beckons, crucial for his season. The Sainz-Leclerc rivalry intensifies, shaping an exhilarating COTA showdown.