Leclerc denies Ferrari tension talk

Charles Leclerc has rubbished suggestions that he and Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz have a troubled relationship.

The two have aired their frustrations with each other over team radio at several points this season, such as when Leclerc did not receive an expected tow from Sainz in Australian Grand Prix Qualifying, and when Sainz’s request for Leclerc to move aside during the Austrian Grand Prix was denied.

Each driver also made pointed remarks about the other after Qualifying for the British Grand Prix, in which the two had tussled over track position.

However, Leclerc sought to allay rumours of a rift between the two, adding that any barbed comments were simply due to their competitive nature.

"I am quite active on social media, so I see what's been said all around," Leclerc told Motorsport.com.

"It's blown out of proportion, I think, with Carlos. We have a great relationship.

"Outside the car, we know how to work together, and we get on really well together because we share lots of interests.

"At the same time, there's a lot of competitiveness in between us two. But we are in Formula 1, and I love the sport because there's competitiveness. I think it's great to have that."

"We are working towards the same goals"

Leclerc added that radio messages should not always be taken at face value, as they are often made in the middle of a session or a race when tensions are running high.

"Sometimes there's a bit of discussion over the radio on some situations," said Leclerc.

"But it is just because we are competitive, and we both want to do the absolute best result possible. These are things that are normal.

"I think it also comes with being a Ferrari driver and being under the spotlight, probably more often than others. But that's fine.

"In the end, within the team, we know that we have a good relationship and we are working towards the same goals."