Charles Leclerc has vowed to learn after accepting the blame for taking out both Ferrari’s on Lap 1 of the Styrian Grand Prix.
The Monegasque tried an overambitious move into Turn 4 but was pitched into the air by the high inside kerb and went straight into the back of teammate Sebastian Vettel, damaging his rear wing.
Leclerc tried to continue and pitted for a new front wing, but the damage to his floor was too much and he soon joined Vettel back in the garage.
“I was fighting two other cars, we were already three cars into turn three, and I was very surprised [by Leclerc],” Seb told Sky Sports.
“I was not expecting Charles to try something. I don’t think there was any space.
Kimi’s view of the Ferrari incident ?#AustrianGP ?? #F1 pic.twitter.com/RzxwEPYsAy
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 12, 2020
“A big pity and something we should avoid, but not much I could have done differently,” Vettel added.
“I was taking it easy and conservative because it was already very busy and tight. I don’t think there was space, that’s why I think we collided.
“The car felt a lot better. It’s a shame for the update it would’ve been nice to get a race distance in.”
As for Leclerc, he was clearly aware it was his mistake that led to another frustrating day for Ferrari this season.
“I apologised [to Vettel],” he told Formula1.com. “Obviously excuses are not enough in times like this. I am just disappointed in myself. I’ve done a very bad job today. I let the team down.
“I can only be sorry, even though I know it’s not enough. I hope I will learn from this and we will come back stronger for the next races.”
I am disappointed in myself. I’m sorry but being sorry is not enough. Seb hasn’t got any faults today. I’ve let the team down after them working a whole week to bring the updates early. Too eager to gain those places in the first lap. I will learn from it.
— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) July 12, 2020
As for Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto, he was keen to simply move on.
“I don’t think there is much to say to the drivers,” he told Sky Sports.
“It’s somehow a pain to conclude a race in such a way after only two laps. I think it’s the worst conclusion on a very bad weekend somehow, so a difficult weekend for us.
“I think it’s not time to look for responsibility or accuse, it’s time to work united. Back home we’ve got the right people to progress as soon as possible.”
