Leclerc after losing Turkish GP podium on last lap: 'I am f***ing stupid'

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Charles Leclerc put an expletive twist on an old catchphrase after losing a podium place on the last lap at the Turkish Grand Prix.

While teammate Sebastian Vettel made a lightning start to move up from P11 to P3 in the wet conditions on the opening lap, the Monegasque worked his way through to third with perfect tyre calls and impressive pace.

That speed not only saw him pass the sister Ferrari but also catch Sergio Perez for second on the final lap.

However, despite getting ahead as the Mexican ran wide at Turns 9 & 10, Leclerc himself then went too deep into Turn 12 allowing Perez and Vettel through and demoting him to fourth.

“I did a s*** job. I am so sorry to the whole team, I am f***ing stupid,” he said over the radio after crossing the line.

Then later in the paddock, the 23-year-old was still angry with himself talking to Formula1.com's Lawrence Barretto.

“Unfortunately in the last corner, nothing to say, in the last three corners," Leclerc began. "In the end, the end result counts. I was good for one part of the race but s*** when it matters and that’s it. Fourth. I’m so disappointed.”

When it was suggested he did what every racing driver would do in going for the position, he replied: “Yeah, but still… I’m so disappointed.”

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His error did at least allow Vettel through to claim his first podium of over a year, but that was of little consolation.

“Now that I’ve calmed down, congratulations to Seb – he deserves it,” Leclerc said. “It’s not been a good year for him.

"Even if I’m so p***ed off with myself, he’s done a great job and I hope he will enjoy it.”

 

         

 

 

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