“Dangerous move”: Spanish media sparks controversy amid Carlos Sainz – Charles Leclerc lap 1 duel. Spanish media sparks controversy amid Carlos Sainz - Charles Leclerc lap 1 duel in China.

A lackluster Ferrari fails to make a comeback in the 2024 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix: adding spice to Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz’s race, the Spanish press, especially MARCA, is rather critical of the Monegasque driver at the end of the race which was held at the 5.451-kilometre Shanghai International Circuit on Sunday.

The post-race scene in Shanghai witnesses the bubbly celebrations of Max Verstappen and a Lando Norris who was almost in disbelief. Scuderia Ferrari quickly packs their bags to leave China and focus on the Miami leg in two weeks.

A forgettable race for the Maranello team, disappointing expectations as they become the third force on the track. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz also didn’t start the Chinese grand prix well, losing positions at the start. The reason? A skirmish in turn 1 between the two Ferrari drivers, promptly sparking the usual controversies of MARCA, a Spanish sports daily.

The article is scathing. The opening is cutting and accuses Charles Leclerc. “The teammate (of Sainz, ed.) crossed 15 meters from one side to the other in turn 1 to cover Carlos, who had a better start, with a dangerous move. Charles Leclerc’s main rival and target was Carlos Sainz.”

Indeed, the Spaniard also highlighted the episode with the Monegasque, without overly pointing the finger at Charles Leclerc: “Given the circumstances, I think P5 was the best we could do.”

While Carlos Sainz downplays the incident, the Spanish daily newspaper goes all in: “After three races behind Carlos Sainz, Charles preferred to hinder his teammate rather than seek the best position at the start […] He achieved the goal of forcing Sainz off the track to avoid contact.”

Source: f1ingenerale