Recent reports reveal that Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur delivered a sharp message to Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz after their contentious on-track exchanges at the 2024 F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. The conversation came as both drivers engaged in a tense battle that saw questionable strategic calls and positioning during the race’s final stages.
At the beginning of the Las Vegas GP, Leclerc struggled with tire wear while attempting to overtake George Russell, losing ground as his medium tires deteriorated. Ferrari’s strategy then called for the two teammates to swap positions following Leclerc’s first pitstop, but the move became complicated by the presence of Lewis Hamilton, who was closing in on Leclerc. Sainz, who had to fend off Hamilton while also giving up his position, found himself in a tough spot.
As the race progressed, both drivers faced more challenges. Sainz had to make a quick decision when Ferrari initially instructed him to stay out on track, only to call him in just as he was about to pit. Meanwhile, Leclerc, after his pitstop, was overtaken by Sainz, who had fresher tires.
These moments led to tension between the teammates, and Ferrari’s team boss wasted no time in addressing the situation. According to Italian journalist Leo Turrini, Vasseur summoned Leclerc and Sainz for a private discussion after the race, stressing the importance of collaboration in the final two races of the season.
“Ferrari is not asking you to be best friends, but we expect full cooperation,” Vasseur reportedly told the drivers. “The constructors’ championship is at stake, and putting personal ambitions above team goals is unacceptable.”
Leclerc, however, remained tight-lipped about the incidents on track, emphasizing that he and Sainz would address their differences within the team. Speaking to Sky Sports, Leclerc acknowledged his frustrations but affirmed his commitment to the team’s overall strategy. “I did my part, especially when my tires were gone. I let Carlos through, and we’ll discuss everything internally,” he said.
With just two races left, Leclerc currently holds third in the driver standings with 319 points, while Sainz is in fifth place with 259 points. The pressure is on both drivers to put team interests first as Ferrari chases the constructors’ championship.
