Leclerc 'Prayed' as Hamilton and Verstappen Clashed at Mexican GP Start

Charles Leclerc found himself in a terrifying three-wide dash for Turn 1 at the Mexican Grand Prix, sandwiched between former rivals Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. The Ferrari driver admitted he could only 'pray' for a safe escape as the chaos unfolded, miraculously emerging unscathed to secure a P2 finish.

Why it matters:

The opening lap of a Formula 1 race is often the most critical and dangerous, dictating the flow for the rest of the race. Leclerc's candid admission highlights the intense pressure and unpredictable nature of wheel-to-wheel combat involving some of the sport's most aggressive drivers. Escaping such a precarious situation without damage was crucial for Ferrari's strong points haul and their push for second in the Constructors' Championship.

The Details:

• Chaotic Start: Polesitter Lando Norris, Hamilton, Leclerc, and Verstappen went four-wide into Turn 1.
• The Squeeze: Leclerc was caught between Hamilton and Verstappen. Verstappen bottomed out on the kerb, straight-lining the chicane, while Leclerc made contact with Hamilton, sending him into the run-off area.
• Leclerc's Reaction: Post-race, Leclerc stated, "I didn’t enjoy that at all... being in the middle of Lewis and Max, it’s one of those kinds of situations where, as a driver, you cannot do much, just pray that Max and Lewis will give me enough space."
• Damage Averted: Despite the contact and run-off excursion, Leclerc's car suffered no damage, allowing him to continue and finish second.
• Late Race Drama: Leclerc fended off a charging Verstappen on soft tires for much of the race. A late Virtual Safety Car (VSC) for Carlos Sainz's retirement neutralized the battle, helping Leclerc secure his P2.
• Constructors' Battle: With Hamilton finishing P8 (after a 10-second penalty for a later incident with Verstappen), Ferrari moved into second place in the Constructors' Championship, a single point ahead of Mercedes with four rounds remaining.

The Big Picture:

This incident underscores the razor-thin margins and high stakes at the start of an F1 race, especially when championship contenders are involved. Leclerc's ability to navigate the initial chaos and then manage his tires to secure second place despite challenging conditions highlights his race craft and resilience. Ferrari's strong result in Mexico significantly boosts their fight for second in the Constructors' standings, a valuable achievement for the team this season.

What's next:

Ferrari will aim to carry this momentum into the remaining races, focusing on solidifying their position in the Constructors' Championship. The battle for second against Mercedes is incredibly tight, and every point will count. Leclerc's performance, particularly his ability to maintain pace and manage tire degradation under pressure, will be vital as the season concludes.