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Charles Leclerc

Charles Leclerc makes Kimi Antonelli accusation after nightmare retirement

Charles Leclerc still faces an investigation himself, but there was no doubting who caused his race-ending accident.

Leclerc crash Zandvoort
Article
To news overview © XPBimages

Charles Leclerc accused Kimi Antonelli of having "misjudged" his overtaking attempt on the Ferrari driver which "ruined" his race, given it resulted in a retirement for the Monegasque. 

Leclerc was spun by Antonelli at the banked Turn 3 on lap 53 after exiting the pit lane on cold tyres, whilst the Italian had more grip due to pitting a lap earlier. 

Antonelli took a lower line in a bid to overtake Leclerc, but touched the Ferrari as the two drivers paths crossed on the exit of the corner. 

The collision immediately spun Leclerc who made heavy contact with the barrier, resulting in race-ending damage at the same corner where Lewis Hamilton crashed earlier on.

A 10-second time penalty was quickly handed to the young Antonelli for causing a collision, while Leclerc remains under investigation for causing a collision with George Russell.

On lap 32, Leclerc managed a bold move on Russell at Turn 11 for fifth, but made contact with the Briton in doing so.

As highlighted by Leclerc when assessing his retirement, aggression is needed to complete overtakes at Zandvoort but that Antonelli was too optimistic.

Asked by Sky F1 if his race was anything more than bad luck, Leclerc replied: "No, I think you said it right. I think the incident with Kimi is the way it is. I think, mistakes happen on a track like this. 

"You've got to be incisive and aggressive to make a pass. And that's what I've done as well against George. That's what Kimi tried to do on myself. 

"But I think, he probably misjudged it and kind of, yeah, I mean ruined my race, so it's a shame, but is the way it is."

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