Azerbaijan GP: Charles Leclerc clarifies misheard “cat” over the team radio in the Baku sprint race 

Charles Leclerc pointed out that there was a "cat" on the track.

Azerbaijan GP: Charles Leclerc clarifies misheard “cat” over the team radio in the Baku sprint race 

Charles Leclerc. Image via GPFans.

During the safety car period on Saturday’s Sprint race, Charles Leclerc complained about a “cat”. This was broadcast on television and raised concerns. It was understood that the Ferrari driver complained about a cut to the power unit. However, that was not the case. Leclerc has clarified the confusion over his radio message. He was questioned about the radio message regarding the “cat” in the post-sprint race press conference. 

The young Monegasque explained that he was talking about a “cat” which ran across the path of the safety car. This incident caused the safety car to put on the brakes. Charles Leclerc, who led the race, reported it over his team radio. He was asked if the “cut” was going to be a problem for Ferrari in the press conference. Leclerc was shocked and clarified it. 

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The Ferrari driver stated, “Absolutely not. I said a cat, which is different! There was a cat in the middle of the road and the safety car had to stop, but I think I was probably the only one who saw that. But yeah, out of Turn 1, there was a cat and the safety car braked. It wasn’t too bad, but I felt like I had to say it!”

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Related: F1 Azerbaijan GP: “Hopefully he’s learned the risk,” George Russell nonchalantly shrugs off his confrontation with a raging Max Verstappen

Charles Leclerc believes Ferrari have made a step forward

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Charles Leclerc. Image via Times of India.

Ferrari excelled in the qualifying sessions at the Azerbaijan GP. Leclerc secured the pole position for both the sprint and the feature race. However, the team has to find performance in the races. Ferrari have moved a step further from the disappointing Australian Grand Prix. Leclerc finished P2 in the sprint race. He was leading the race but could not withhold the Red Bull driver,  Sergio Perez.

Leclerc stated, “I don’t know much of a fight it was, but I tried my best. We are still lacking some pace in the race, this is definitely where our focus is at the moment. It’s been the case now for quite a bit. So we are working on that, trying to find something for the races. In qualifying, we seem to be OK – having said that, I believe we have made a step forward.”

Leclerc suffered from tire wear out and had a disadvantage in the sprint race. This led Sergio Perez to win his first-ever sprint. However, it has been a good weekend for Ferrari. They are better in Baku compared to Melbourne. Charles Leclerc is happy with the car. But they have some work to do to catch up with Red Bull. 

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