Leclerc reveals Ferrari oversight in ‘very physical’ Qatar GP

Charles Leclerc has explained why not having access to his drinks bottle during the Qatar Grand Prix was not “much of an issue” for him.

The 27-year-old raced the entire 57 laps at the Lusail International Circuit without fluid after Ferrari failed to connect the supply.

Whilst the experience was “actually pretty chill” for the Monegasque driver this season, he did concede it would have been a different story last year.

In last season’s race, which was held in October, high humidity and temperatures and mandated 18-lap tyre stints because of kerb concerns ensured a flat-out contest, with a number of drivers falling physically ill during and after the event.

“Yeah, I did not drink, but I honestly, I don’t think it was that much of an issue for this race,” Leclerc told media including RacingNews365 after finishing second to Max Verstappen in the grand prix. “Last year it would have been a really, really big issue.

“I think I wouldn’t have finished the race without my drink, but this year it was actually pretty chill.”

Nevertheless, it was still a physical encounter for Leclerc and the rest of the field, with three safety car periods disrupting the flow of the race and crucially removing the need to conserve fuel or tyres.

“In terms of dehydration, it wasn’t bad, but it was quite physical in the corners just because we had no saving to do today, the eight-time grand prix winner explained. “There was basically no saving.

“It was just flat out pushing from the first lap to the last lap, which is quite enjoyable as a driver.

“I don’t think any of us drivers had our heads straight in the fast corners at the end of the race. It was very physical.”