Charles Leclerc will leave the French Grand Prix empty-handed after the Ferrari driver crashed out of the lead. Leclerc had led the early stages of the race from pole position, managing to keep DRS-assisted Red Bull rival Max Verstappen at bay. However, shortly after Verstappen made his first pit-stop, Leclerc lost control of his car through Turn 11 and slammed into the barriers.
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LAP 18/53 CHARLES LECLERC IS OUT OF THE RACE!!! The Ferrari driver hits the wall at Turn 11! #FrenchGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/5SL5xQcmUc — Formula 1 (@F1) July 24, 2022
Leclerc out, Verstappen checks in
Leclerc screamed over the radio in frustration after coming to a halt, while also making reference to his throttle pedal. It remains unclear if the throttle – which caused Leclerc problems in the closing stages of the Austrian Grand Prix – played a role in the crash. With the Safety Car deployed on Lap 18 of 53 for two tours, Verstappen regained the lead as rivals jumped into the pits and took a moment to check in on Leclerc over the radio. "Yes, I'm told he's alright, Max. Thanks for asking," confirmed Verstappen's race engineer.
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