Charles Leclerc, whose chances of winning in Belgium were dashed by a Max Verstappen discard, demanded on Thursday a clear rule to stop drivers from tossing visor “tear-offs” onto the track during competitions.
The Ferrari driver made it plain that he did not hold his competitor responsible at a press conference before this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, the second of three competitions that will conclude the European leg of this year’s season.
The Ferrari’s brakes overheated last weekend as a result of a tear-off dropped by the world champion and undisputed series leader of Red Bull that found its way into a brake duct.
Leclerc’s chances of a much-needed win were dashed as a result of an early, unplanned pit stop.
Verstappen, who started from position 14 on the grid, won decisively to go ahead of teammate Sergio Perez and Leclerc in the standings by 93 and 98 points, respectively.
The 24-year-old Monegasque driver said, “Obviously, I am not unhappy with Max, not at all.
“Clearly, the drivers are not at blame. But maybe there is a way to locate a place in the automobile to store these tear-offs.”
Due to fluids and filthy elements being thrown up from the tarmac after incidents, including Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso’s, many drivers removed tear-offs on the first lap last Sunday.
Verstappen’s tear-off not only damaged the brakes but also neutralised a sensor in Leclerc’s vehicle, causing him to exceed the pit lane speed restriction and get a five second penalty, moving him from fifth to sixth.
Leclerc continued: “Because I couldn’t see anything with my visor in that specific circumstance, I believe someone was leaking oil or whatever, so it would be beneficial to find a solution.
“All of the drivers in front of me had the same problem; they were unable to see through their visors.
“This straight was the first spot we had a chance to take off the tear-off, so I found myself with tear-offs flying all over the place and, in that circumstance, you cannot do much as a driver,” the driver said.
Tear-offs “may not be thrown needlessly onto the track or the pit lane,” yet despite attention being paid to the regulation in 2016, it has not been enforced.
“I suppose there were reasons, which I am not aware of, why this regulation was (not enforced), but maybe there were other options. I’m not sure.”
Leclerc kept some excitement about his championship defence, but he was grounded in reality.
I’m not sure how many points separate Max and I, he said. “There are a lot of points, but I quit counting.
“Now, let’s take it race by race, see what’s feasible, and if there’s a pleasant surprise at the year’s end, great!”
He continued, mentioning the constructors’ championship: “There is still plenty to contend for, including second place in the championship. I’ll generally push through to the conclusion.”
Carlos Sainz, a teammate who came in third last Sunday, was more optimistic about his and Ferrari’s future.
Spa was a perfect illustration of how a poor weekend in Formula One can alter public opinion, he remarked. “I don’t believe we are as terrible as it appears, and I am certain that we can get back on track and resume our winning ways.
Red Bull has undoubtedly lifted the bar somewhat with each race, but it doesn’t feel that long ago that we defeated them handily in Austria.