F1 | Charles Leclerc and the alarming team radio moments before start of 2023 Monza GP

F1 | Charles Leclerc and the alarming team radio moments before start of 2023 Monza GP. Charles and the alarming team radio.

During the formation lap of the Italian Grand Prix, an unnoticed team radio message from a concerned Charles Leclerc to the Ferrari pit wall risked ending his race in Monza before it even started. The Monegasque driver reported an abnormal behavior of the car in right-hand corners, with the race engineer reassuring him, stating that there was no issue with the SF23 based on the data.

Did Charles Leclerc almost end his Monza GP before it even started?

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the pre-race rituals, many overlooked the alarming team radio message from Charles Leclerc, who radioed Xavi Marcos to inquire if there was any issue with the SF23.

The Spanish race engineer promptly informed his driver not to worry, assuring him that everything was under control based on the data.

Leclerc: “The car doesn’t feel good in right-hand corners, is everything okay?”

Xavi Marcos: “As far as the data goes, everything is fine.”

Leclerc: “Understood, great.”

With the alarm put to rest, Charles Leclerc calmly participated in the Grand Prix, maintaining his fourth position from the start to the finish. After patiently waiting for his teammate and the two Red Bulls to duel it out, Charles began closing the gap on Carlos Sainz, entering the DRS zone.

After a few laps of waiting, the Monegasque driver made his move, attempting to pass the Spaniard and initiating a thrilling head-to-head battle for the third step of the podium. It was a significant position, given the stakes in front of the fans.

Unfortunately for Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz came out on top, with the two getting very close to contact multiple times. The team allowed both drivers to race freely but warned them not to take unnecessary risks.

In the end, car number 55 capped off a fantastic weekend, starting with Saturday’s pole position and celebrating a podium finish in front of the sea of red. For the Monegasque, there is the bitter consolation of finally having a competitive car in his hands, as they look ahead to the next GP in Singapore.