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.
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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Max
Verstappen
Sergio
Pérez
Lewis
Hamilton
Fernando
Alonso
Charles
Leclerc
Red Bull
Mercedes
Ferrari
Alpine
