Austin F1 start like a chess match – Charles Leclerc: “A winning move”

A flawless clutch release and initial acceleration for Charles Leclerc, who shared an intriguing anecdote about the start in Austin after the race.

Charles Leclerc showcased a stellar performance at the United States Grand Prix. Right from the beginning of the race, the Monegasque displayed impeccable racecraft. This was despite a challenging qualifying session for the Ferrari team, a recurring theme for the SF-24. However, the outcome of the Grand Prix was determined in the early stages, with Leclerc disclosing an interesting backstory about the start in Austin.

In recent races, Charles Leclerc has demonstrated exceptional tire management over long distances. This indicates a high level of maturity and underscores the growth and development achieved by the Monegasque driver. Throughout the 56 scheduled laps, except during safety car periods and pit stops, Charles Leclerc consistently maintained a lap time of above 1:40, showcasing his confidence in the SF-24.

The car has proven to be consistently effective over long distances and has also addressed some of the initial challenges. Charles Leclerc executed the clutch release flawlessly, strategically positioning himself as he approached turn 1, where a battle unfolded between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. The two title contenders had a slight collision, allowing Verstappen to pass Norris with his RB20.

The start resembled a chess match, with intense braking and a delayed trajectory from Verstappen forcing him to widen the turn, ultimately pushing Norris off track. Charles Leclerc capitalized on this situation by taking advantage of the clear path, setting himself up for success with a dominant race pace.

After the conclusion of the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Charles Leclerc was questioned about the start, particularly whether he was taken by surprise by Max Verstappen’s move. “No, I wasn’t surprised,” responded Charles Leclerc candidly to F1TV microphones. “I anticipated that Max would be aggressive into turn 1, considering his position as a championship leader. I made my move accordingly, setting up a better exit strategy, and it paid off, contributing to our victory in the race,” the Ferrari driver concluded.

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Oct 23, 2024David Carter

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