Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc believes Formula 1 drivers “played a little bit” with driving conduct rules seven days ago in the British Grand Prix at the Silverstone circuit, but expained that stricter protocols would be a bad idea for the sport. The track moves of some drivers during the British Grand Prix were thrust in to the spotlight following what seemed to be some robust defensive maneuvers that were not penalized by the FIA stewards.
Many times drivers were forced out to the side of the circuit after trying to pass around the outside, such as Max Verstappen on Ferrari junior Mick Schumacher, while there remains debate regarding the moment Red Bull’s Sergio Perez cut a corner and raced on to win a position. As a result a few drivers, including Fernando Alonso and Mick Schumacher have asked for further clarity from Formula 1’s race director ahead of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix pointing out that such moments that took place at the Silverstone circuit should not be permitted.
However, Charles Leclerc, who found himself crowded out by the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton at the first start and then Max Verstappen at the second start of the British Grand Prix, feels that there was no issue with how his opponents fought on track.
“I don’t think there was anything outside the limit there. Obviously, it was hard racing, but I really enjoyed it again. I mean, you can have rules for every situation but then it becomes a disaster and sometimes you just need to let the show go. I think we managed the situation well. It was very, very tricky. And all of us played a little bit with the limits and probably me, the first one, because I was in a pretty shitty situation. But I tried to do my best and it was fun.” – Charles Leclerc explained, ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.
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Former Scuderia Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel, who is currently racing for Aston Martin, added that in the end drivers should take responsibility themselves for being aware if they have been fair with an opponent or not: “We should be the best judges,” he said. “And if we push somebody off, and we know it’s too much, we should be prepared to get a penalty. Maybe sometimes they [FIA] don’t see, and it shouldn’t happen, but it happens. But as long as it is fair, even though it’s hard and with elbows out and stuff, it’s okay.” – he said.
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