The new rising star of Formula One, Charles Leclerc, has pledged to shut up and drive at Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix after a public spat with Ferrari team bosses over the race radio in Singapore.
Leclerc had been bidding for a hat-trick of grand prix victories but was incensed by Ferrari’s pitstop strategy which resulted in Sebastian Vettel passing him for the win last weekend.
The 21-year-old made his feelings known over the race radio, remonstrating with the team over a decision he felt cost him victory.
But, more contrite in Sochi, he said: “I believe my reaction is well over what it should be and that shows I’ve still a lot to learn. I wake up in the morning thinking about victory, I go to sleep thinking about victory, so sometimes it might be hard.
“But I just need to control myself in these situations and, how can I say it politely, just shut up instead of speaking on the radio.”
Ferrari go into Sochi again as race favourites and championship leader Lewis Hamilton, who has a 65-point advantage over team-mate Valtteri Bottas, admits he might not win another race in his Mercedes this season.
