“Tomorrow I’ll do the same!”: Leclerc accuses ex-teammate Sainz of ruining his final SQ3 lap in Qatar. Charles Leclerc lashes out at Carlos Sainz during Qatar GP Sprint qualifying.

Charles Leclerc was furious with Carlos Sainz during the Q3 Sprint qualifying session at the Qatar GP. The Monegasque driver complained over team radio that his former teammate blocked him on the outlap, preventing him from properly preparing for his decisive flying lap.

Just a few meters from the finish line, Charles Leclerc expressed his frustration to his engineer Bryan Bozzi. Here is the full team radio, translated and with interjections included as requested. Leclerc, clearly upset, said: “Incredible. Incredible. For heaven’s sake.” His engineer responded: “I’m sorry, Charles. P9.” Still frustrated, the Monegasque added: “Alright. Today he does this, tomorrow I’ll do the same. Anyway, we’re very slow.”

Charles Leclerc clashes with Carlos Sainz in Qatar: what happened

Charles Leclerc explained that he couldn’t slow down to create space because doing so risked losing the lap entirely. According to the Monegasque, the Williams driver slowed him down during the outlap at the exact spot where he needed to begin the tire warm-up procedure. As a result, his flying lap was compromised, and he ended up P9, a result that did not reflect the potential shown earlier in the session.

Charles Leclerc also pointed out via radio that Ferrari did not have the pace for the front row anyway, but Carlos Sainz’s behavior made the situation worse. The relationship between the Monegasque driver and Carlos Sainz has always been competitive yet respectful, but this incident adds an extra note of tension at a challenging moment for the Scuderia.

Expect the cameras to be locked on the pair during Saturday’s Sprint and Sunday’s Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc has made it crystal clear: payback could be coming.