Charles Leclerc mocks Max Verstappen on radio after dramatic late Digital Security Automobile in Mexico Metropolis
Charles Leclerc produced a masterful defensive drive on the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix, heading off a late assault from Max Verstappen to assert second place on the rostrum. The race ended beneath a Digital Security Automobile (VSC) following an incident within the closing laps, which finally preserved the Ferrari driver’s place.
4-wide begin and early race drama
The Monegasque star began from the entrance row alongside Lando Norris, instantly embroiling himself in a four-wide battle into Flip 1. Charles Leclerc briefly ran off the racing line however rejoined in entrance, solely to relinquish the place again to Lando Norris. As soon as the McLaren pulled away in first place, Charles Leclerc settled into second and maintained a robust tempo all through nearly all of the race, demonstrating each ability and composure beneath strain.
Verstappen closes in as tyres degrade
Within the latter levels, the Monegasque got here beneath rising strain from Verstappen, whose mushy tyres allowed him to shut the hole lap by lap. The Ferrari SF-25, working on medium compounds, started to lose efficiency, making Charles Leclerc weak on the penultimate lap. Verstappen was inside placing distance and appeared poised to overhaul for second place, setting the stage for a dramatic end.
Late Digital Security Automobile decides the rostrum
The ultimate twist got here when Carlos Sainz retired his Williams off-track, triggering a Digital Security Automobile. The VSC got here into impact midway by way of the final lap, eliminating any chance for Verstappen to mount an overtake. Charles Leclerc maintained his second-place end consequently, whereas Max Verstappen was pressured to accept third. Observers debated whether or not the VSC was strictly crucial, however it proved essential for Charles Leclerc, who had been beneath immense strain within the closing laps.
Leclerc’s cheeky radio second
Because the VSC was deployed, Charles Leclerc used the second to ship a light-hearted radio message that poked enjoyable at Max Verstappen. Getting into the ultimate lap, he might be heard laughing over the radio: “Max. Max, hahahahahah.” The temporary, playful taunt captured his aid and confidence, highlighting his composure even beneath intense championship strain.
Ferrari celebrates one other podium
Charles Leclerc’s second-place end marked Ferrari’s sturdy weekend in Mexico, significantly contrasted with teammate Lewis Hamilton, who suffered a 10-second penalty for leaving the monitor and gaining a bonus in his personal battle with Verstappen. The consequence emphasised the Monegasque’s skill to mix strategic pondering with on-track aggression, securing beneficial factors for the Scuderia.
Leclerc displays on tyres and race strain
Talking after the race with Sky Sports activities F1, Charles Leclerc admitted that his tyres had been severely degraded, leaving him weak to Max Verstappen’s late cost. He acknowledged that the VSC had successfully “saved” him, permitting him to assert his second podium in as many races. The Ferrari driver praised the weekend as a constructive consequence, noting that constant podiums are a vital step towards maximizing the crew’s championship potential.
Charles Leclerc emphasised that whereas the race was bodily and mentally demanding, the end result supplied a major morale increase for each him and the crew. The mixture of tyre administration, defensive ability, and lucky timing with the VSC highlighted Ferrari’s rising race-day competency within the 2025 season.
Wanting forward: Ferrari’s momentum in 2025
Charles Leclerc’s efficiency in Mexico demonstrates the Ferrari SF-25’s aggressive potential, particularly when mixed with sensible technique and driver composure. The Scuderia will intention to keep up this momentum, guaranteeing that each Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton can convert alternatives into podium finishes within the closing racs of the 2025 Method 1 season.
Let different Scuderia Followers find out about us
