Tensions flared at Ferrari during the Las Vegas F1 GP as Carlos Sainz refused to comply with team orders, leaving Charles Leclerc fuming. It was far from the race expected on Friday: the SF-24 struggled in the early stages, losing ground to George Russell and later being overtaken by Lewis Hamilton. A weekend already marked by issues culminated in clashes between the teammates.
On the day of Max Verstappen’s fourth title win, the atmosphere at Ferrari seemed tenser than ever. The race fell short of the pre-race expectations that predicted a dominant performance from the SF-24. Instead, the medium tires collapsed after just a few laps, while Mercedes once again proved their superiority in low-temperature conditions.
Capping off a difficult weekend, during which Ferrari nevertheless closed the gap to McLaren in the Constructors’ standings, were internal sparks flying. On multiple occasions during the race, the two Ferrari drivers found themselves battling each other. Charles Leclerc adhered more closely to team instructions, in stark contrast to Carlos Sainz, who fought harder than necessary and left car #16 fuming.
Charles Leclerc vs. Carlos Sainz at the Las Vegas F1 GP
The most telling and irritated team radio exchange came at the end of the race, with Frédéric Vasseur even stepping in to remind his driver not to go overboard with his words. However, the first heated exchange had already occurred during the second pit stop.
After pitting for a new set of hard tires, Charles Leclerc returned to the track reassured by his race engineer that Carlos Sainz, with warmer tires, would not attack him. But just a few corners later, the Spaniard pulled alongside and overtook him, eventually claiming the podium. This led to a radio communication that was equal parts ironic and frustrated.
ADAMI: “Carlos, don’t put Charles under pressure.”
BOZZI: “We’ve told Carlos not to put you under pressure. Take care of the tires.”
Carlos Sainz attacks and overtakes Charles Leclerc just a few corners after exiting the pit lane.
LECLERC: “Try telling him in Spanish!”
