Leclerc explains reason for ignoring Ferrari orders with Vettel overtake

Matthew Scott
Thursday 11 April 2019 12:36

Charles Leclerc says the opportunity to execute a safe overtaking manoeuvre on Sebastian Vettel was key in his decision to ignore Ferrari's team orders at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Leclerc passed Vettel for the lead early in the Sakhir race, having been ordered to remain behind his team-mate for two laps.

Leclerc was the dominant force throughout the Bahrain weekend, but had to settle for third place when he suffered an engine problem in the closing stages of the race.

If he had secured a first win, crucial to it would have been his move on Vettel, which followed Leclerc obeying team orders in the opening race of the season in Australia.

Leclerc suggested that he has no qualms with doing as the team say, but said the circumstance in Bahrain made him go his own way.

"I had the opportunity and I went for it," Leclerc said.

"I think I showed in Australia that the interest of the team is extremely important but in this particular situation I think I had quite a big pace advantage at that moment in the race.

"I had the opportunity on the straight and I didn't see myself lifting and staying behind. I went for the opportunity, it was a safe pass and I went for it.

"From the beginning we both want to beat each other and that's normal in any team.

"We have found a very good compromise by competing with each other on the track and working together when out of the car which is extremely important for the team and the development of the car."