The final race of the season witnessed an intense battle between Mercedes and Ferrari for second place in the constructors’ championship. As the race neared its conclusion, it became clear that every move would count. Charles Leclerc, driving for Ferrari, made a calculated decision that ultimately proved unsuccessful. His aim was to prevent George Russell, racing for Mercedes, from securing a podium finish. Leclerc allowed Sergio Perez, who had been penalized for an incident with Lando Norris, to overtake him in the hopes that Perez would create a sizable gap, ensuring that Russell would not be promoted to third place. While Leclerc’s strategy showcased his sportsmanship, it fell short of achieving the desired outcome.
Toto Wolff, the motorsport boss at Mercedes, extended his praise to Leclerc for his fair play and commendable actions. Wolff acknowledged that Ferrari had been performing exceptionally well in recent races, which made the battle for second place even more compelling. He also acknowledged Russell’s impeccable drive and skillful management of gaps throughout the race. As two formidable brands in Formula 1, Mercedes and Ferrari highly respect each other, making their competition all the more exciting. Leclerc’s respectable conduct at the end of the race earned him recognition as a true sportsman.
Wolff revealed that Perez had not been a major consideration for Mercedes until the latter stages of the race. Initially, their focus was solely on their own performance and ensuring Russell had the fastest race possible. However, Leclerc’s impressive lead made it seem unlikely that he could manage the required gaps to keep Mercedes behind. Nevertheless, Leclerc did not resort to any underhand tactics. Even though he had the opportunity to deliberately slow down in the final sector, he chose not to, displaying his character as a driver.
Leclerc explained that his decision to let Perez pass him was made well in advance. Once he was aware of Perez’s five-second penalty, he began monitoring the gap between Russell and Perez throughout the race. When he learned that Perez had overtaken Russell, Leclerc knew that Perez’s best chance to stay ahead was to utilize the DRS (Drag Reduction System) and create as much distance as possible between himself and Russell. Leclerc engaged in constant communication with his engineer and made his plan known to ensure a smooth execution.
The battle between Mercedes and Ferrari for second place in the constructors’ championship provided a thrilling end to the season. Charles Leclerc’s strategic decision to allow Sergio Perez to overtake him demonstrated his sportsmanship and respect for fair competition. Despite Leclerc’s best efforts, Mercedes ultimately claimed second place. However, the showdown highlighted the intense rivalry between these two iconic teams and added to the rich history of Formula 1.
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