Leclerc reveals bizarre reason for unusual radio message during Sprint

Charles Leclerc has revealed the unexpected reason behind an unusual radio message he shared during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix Sprint race.

At one stage during the event, Leclerc was heard remarking on what many fans watching may have thought was a "cut", which may have initially sparked concerns over a potential issue with his Ferrari.

However, when asked about the comment after the race, Leclerc explained that he was actually referring to something else entirely...

"I said a cat, which is different!" Leclerc told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"There was a cat in the middle of the road and the Safety Car had to stop, but I think I was probably the only one who saw that?

"In the exit of Turn 1, there was a cat and the Safety Car braked. It wasn't too bad, but I just felt like I was going to say!"

In response to this revelation during the post-Sprint press conference, race winner Sergio Perez joked of his cat-owning teammate Max Verstappen: "Maybe Max can adopt the cat!"

After starting the Sprint from pole position, Leclerc finished second behind Perez, with Verstappen rounding out the top three.