Charles Leclerc left FUMING on team radio after losing position to Lando Norris over strategy at Italian GP

Charles Leclerc was furious after Lando Norris managed to overtake him after the first round of pitstops during the Italian GP.

Charles Leclerc left FUMING on team radio after losing position to Lando Norris over strategy at Italian GP

Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)

The Italian GP at Monza began with a dramatic opening lap. Oscar Piastri, starting from P2, quickly took the lead, while Charles Leclerc moved into second place after overtaking Lando Norris. However, Ferrari’s poor strategy soon became apparent, failing to effectively position Leclerc at the front.

Charles Leclerc was initially in P4, trailing George Russell. He advanced to P2 when Oscar Piastri overtook Lando Norris before the end of the first lap. On lap 16, Ferrari instructed Leclerc to pit, but he expressed his displeasure over the team radio. That suggested he was unhappy with the timing or strategy of the pit stop.

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Leclerc was clearly frustrated with the pit stop strategy that dropped him back to P3 and allowed Lando Norris to take the lead. The undercut strategy involves pitting earlier than competitors to gain track position. However, this strategy failed in Leclerc’s case because he was already in a strong position. The 26-year-old’s complaint indicated he felt that pitting at that moment was unnecessary, as he was performing well and didn’t need an early stop to maintain his position.

FS Video
What was that? Why do we pit if we are undercut?
Charles Leclerc on team radio
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Charles Leclerc expressed the need to know about the tire management strategy, which was unnecessary according to him. He was seeking a clarification on whether the team would switch to an alternative strategy, a plan C. Leclerc’s comments reflected that the strategy is not optimal for managing his tires.

Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)
Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)
This I need to know! It’s very different for tyre management.
Charles Leclerc via Team Radio.

Certainly, Charles Leclerc wanted to understand if a different approach would be used to enhance his performance and improve his position in the race. However, the Monegasque driver made an impressive recovery and took the lead of the race.

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