Charles Leclerc ruled OUT of Canadian Grand Prix as F...read more

Charles Leclerc ruled OUT of Canadian Grand Prix as F…read more

Charles Leclerc will not be participating in the second practice session (FP2) at the Canadian Grand Prix after a significant crash during the opening practice session (FP1) on Friday. The Ferrari driver encountered trouble early in the weekend after losing control of his car at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

During FP1, Leclerc locked up his brakes while entering Turn 3, a tight corner that has historically caught out many drivers. The lock-up caused the Ferrari to veer off course and slam into the barriers. The impact was forceful enough to cause substantial damage, particularly to the left side of the vehicle, which took the brunt of the crash. This accident halted Leclerc’s progress in FP1 and prompted immediate attention from the Ferrari mechanics.

After the incident, Ferrari began the process of evaluating and attempting to repair the car. However, the team later confirmed that the extent of the damage was too great to be resolved in time for FP2. The official statement from Ferrari acknowledged that Leclerc would have to sit out the second session of practice as a result. This is a significant setback for the team and for Leclerc, who was hoping to build momentum in the early stages of the race weekend.

Leclerc’s absence from FP2 could impact his preparations for the rest of the weekend, especially considering how crucial practice sessions are for fine-tuning the car’s setup and understanding the track conditions. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, located in Montreal, is known for its demanding layout, with a mix of high-speed straights and tight chicanes, making setup work and track time especially important.

Missing an entire practice session also puts Leclerc at a potential disadvantage compared to his rivals, who will have gathered valuable data in FP2. The team will now need to rely heavily on the data collected from his teammate Carlos Sainz, as well as simulations, to make up for the lost time.

Meanwhile, other headlines from the paddock indicate a dramatic day overall, with a Red Bull driver reportedly summoned by race stewards and the FIA issuing a verdict involving a disqualification matter. The Canadian Grand Prix weekend is already shaping up to be an eventful one.

As for Ferrari, they will be working around the clock to ensure Leclerc’s car is fully repaired and ready for Saturday’s FP3 and, more crucially, the all-important qualifying session. Leclerc and the team will be hoping to bounce back swiftly from this early setback.