APRIL 2, 2019

Leclerc ignored team order by passing Vettel

Charles Leclerc dodged a team order by passing his number 1 teammate Sebastian Vettel in Bahrain.

Sebastian Vettel, Charles Leclerc, Bahrain GP 2019
© RV Press

Charles Leclerc dodged a team order by passing his number 1 teammate Sebastian Vettel in Bahrain.

Just before mounting the overtake of the sister Ferrari, the 21-year-old dubbed "golden boy" by the Italian press said on the radio: "Guys, I'm quicker".

His engineer replied that he should wait at least two laps.

"Then on the next straight I had the opportunity to go for it, so I went for it," said Monaco-born Leclerc.

"It's always a tricky situation when you fight your teammate because the risks are very high," he said.

"They warn you before the race to please be careful with your teammate, but I had the opportunity and I didn't hesitate."

(GMM)