Ferrari explain team orders decision to Leclerc

Charles Leclerc has accepted Ferrari's explanation for imposing team orders on him at the Chinese Grand Prix, which aided Sebastian Vettel and lost him a place to Max Verstappen come the chequered flag. Leclerc finished fifth in Shanghai, having endured a frustrating race.

Leclerc jumped Vettel off the line for third place, but could not hunt down the Mercedes ahead, prompting Ferrari to move him aside to let the German have a go.

Vettel made a number of mistakes when in open air and dropped further back from the Silver Arrows, who secured a third one-two finish from as many races, and into the clutches of Verstappen.

Leclerc grew audibly frustrated behind Vettel – having been issued team orders for a third-straight race – but was happy to play the team game afterwards.

"Obviously we had the meeting," Leclerc said. "It was not an easy situation.

"I was obviously struggling with the tyres, we both were, and at the time it just felt like Seb was quicker.

"But obviously being behind me for some laps he also damaged his tyres and when he went in front his tyres were probably also damaged.

"Being in the car it was a bit frustrating but, on the other hand, I'm well aware that being in the car you don't see much of the full picture of the race.

"So I just accepted it, did it and just focused on my race."

Asked if he accepted the explanation given for team orders being handed down, Leclerc replied: "Yeah... I mean, yeah."