Charles Leclerc proposes a "new" penalty after first-lap incident with Max Verstappen in Las Vegas

Charles Leclerc proposes a “new” penalty after first-lap incident with Max Verstappen in Las Vegas. Charles Leclerc reflects on a "new" penalty for incidents similar to the one in Las Vegas.

At the start of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Red Bull Dutch driver Max Verstappen snatched the race lead from Charles Leclerc with a somewhat “unorthodox” move. Max Verstappen would later be penalized with a 5-second penalty, but the Ferrari driver believes that a different type of penalty should be considered.

During the post-race proceedings in the Nevada night, Charles Leclerc – who finished second at the checkered flag – expressed his opinion on the incident at turn 1. As the press conference began, the clarification with Max Verstappen had already taken place: “Max has already come to explain the situation to me,” began the Ferrari driver.

After revealing the various points of view, the Monegasque stated: “Obviously, it was a move on the limit, beyond the limit. I think the 5-second penalty is deserved. It was tight,” observed the Monegasque, who then recounted the moments of turn 1 from his perspective. “I tried to push him even off the track, trying to keep that position, but the grip was really minimal.” – Charles Leclerc added at the end of the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

He continued: “That’s how it went, he was penalized. He served the penalty, and I think it was right to penalize him like that,” Charles Leclerc explained without overly engaging in controversy.

However, the 1997-born Ferrari driver also expressed a contrasting opinion about the type of penalty imposed by the stewards. The Monegasque wanted a position swap. He wanted it during the early laps and maintained the idea in the press conference: “I think in these cases, it would be better if the FIA asked for the position to be given back.”

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Charles Leclerc gave a reason for his stance: “Why do I think so? I believe there is an advantage in taking care of the tires when you’re in clean air. But that’s how it went.”