Leclerc 'Prayed' to Escape Damage in Verstappen-Hamilton Sandwich

Charles Leclerc described a heart-stopping moment at the Mexican Grand Prix, where he was caught in a three-wide battle with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton into Turn 1, stating he had to "pray" to avoid damage. Despite the chaos, Leclerc emerged unscathed and secured a strong second-place finish, contributing significantly to Ferrari's constructor's championship standing.

Why it matters:

Leclerc's ability to navigate such a high-pressure, three-way battle at the start of a Grand Prix highlights his race craft and composure under immense stress. This strong performance, matching his season-best, was crucial for Ferrari, propelling them back into second place in the Constructors' Championship with only four rounds remaining. Maintaining this position is vital for their financial standing and morale.

The Details:

• Grid Position: Leclerc started the Mexican Grand Prix from second on the grid, perfectly positioned for a strong opening.
• Turn 1 Incident: Approaching the critical first corner, Leclerc found himself squeezed between Lewis Hamilton to his left and Max Verstappen to his right, creating a dangerous 'sandwich' situation.
• Leclerc's Reaction: He stated, "I didn't enjoy that at all. I normally quite like fighting, but in this case, 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."
• Contact and Evasion: Leclerc confirmed a slight touch with Hamilton. Both Verstappen and Leclerc ran wide, with Leclerc briefly taking the lead before ceding the position to Lando Norris and consolidating his spot ahead of Hamilton by running off-road.
• No Penalties: Despite running off track, stewards did not intervene, allowing the race to continue without penalty for Leclerc.
• Result: Leclerc went on to finish second, equaling his best result of the season and showcasing his ability to recover and perform under pressure.

The Big Picture:

This incident is a prime example of the intense, high-stakes opening laps in Formula 1, particularly when multiple championship contenders are involved. Leclerc's skillful handling of the situation not only saved his race but also underscores the fine margins separating success from early retirement in F1. His podium finish was a significant boost for Ferrari in their ongoing battle for second in the Constructors' Championship against Mercedes and McLaren, demonstrating the team's improved race pace and strategic execution.

What's next:

With Ferrari now holding second place in the Constructors' Championship, the focus will be on maintaining this momentum in the final races. Leclerc's consistent performance, especially in challenging race scenarios like the Mexican GP start, will be key. The team will need to continue maximizing every opportunity to fend off their rivals and secure the valuable championship position, which carries substantial prize money and prestige.