The drama from the Las Vegas Grand Prix has spilled beyond the track as Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur reportedly expressed anger over a leaked radio exchange between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. The conversation, which surfaced shortly after the race, has sparked controversy, raising questions about the team’s internal dynamics and race strategy execution.
During the race, Ferrari drivers Leclerc and Sainz found themselves battling not only their rivals but also each other in a tense on-track situation. The leaked audio reveals a heated exchange where both drivers appeared frustrated with team instructions, accusing each other of hindering their races.
In the recording, Leclerc is heard saying:
“Why is Carlos defending so aggressively? We’re losing time to the cars ahead!”
Sainz responded:
“I’m not letting him through if it ruins my race. We both have to score points!”
The incident occurred while the two Ferrari drivers were running in the midfield, struggling to maintain pace against their competitors. Despite the tension, the team chose not to enforce strict team orders, leaving the drivers to sort it out on the track.
Following the race, Vasseur reportedly addressed the drivers and the team behind closed doors. Sources suggest that the Ferrari boss was furious about both the nature of the radio communication and the fact that it was leaked to the public.
“This kind of behavior is unacceptable. We are a team, and these internal disputes should never become public knowledge,” Vasseur is said to have told the drivers.
Vasseur also criticized the lack of cohesion between Leclerc and Sainz, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in the fight for the Constructors’ Championship.
The leaked radio exchange has drawn mixed reactions from fans. Many criticized Ferrari for failing to manage their drivers effectively, pointing to the team’s history of strategic blunders and internal conflicts.
One fan on social media wrote:
“Classic Ferrari—more drama than racing. They need to sort out their priorities if they want to challenge Red Bull.”
Others sympathized with the drivers, arguing that Ferrari’s inconsistent strategies often leave Leclerc and Sainz in difficult positions.
The incident has reignited speculation about the relationship between Leclerc and Sainz. While both drivers have publicly stated they respect each other, moments like this suggest underlying tension, especially in a season where Ferrari has struggled to deliver a competitive car.
Leclerc, seen as the team’s long-term leader, has often voiced his frustrations with Ferrari’s strategies, while Sainz has pushed to establish himself as an equal contender. The dynamic has led to several on-track clashes, including the one in Las Vegas.
With the 2024 season winding down, Ferrari faces mounting pressure to address its internal issues. The team is already working to develop a more competitive car for next season, but such efforts may be undermined if the drivers cannot work together harmoniously.
Vasseur, who took over as team principal this year, has repeatedly emphasized the need for unity and discipline within the team. The Las Vegas GP incident could serve as a turning point, forcing Ferrari to adopt stricter team orders or risk further turmoil.
The leaked radio conversation between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz has exposed cracks in Ferrari’s armor at a time when the team desperately needs stability. For Vasseur, the priority will be regaining control and ensuring that such disputes do not derail their 2024 campaign.
Whether this incident will drive Ferrari to stronger teamwork or deepen divisions within the team remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the Scuderia is under the microscope once again.