The Spanish Grand Prix witnessed a dramatic turn of events as Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris found themselves embroiled in a heated road rage incident during the FP3 session. The incident has caught the attention of the FIA stewards.
This confrontation, which unfolded on the approach to Turn 7, could have significant repercussions. Both drivers might face some severe punishments including potential grid penalties ahead of qualifying. Notably, the altercation began when Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, visibly frustrated at being held up by McLaren's Lando Norris, executed an aggressive manoeuvre.
WATCH The Incident here:
The incident between Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris at the end of FP3.
— Ferrari News 🐎 (@FanaticsFerrari) June 22, 2024
Who is to blame?
pic.twitter.com/qQZwu8UTC0
As Leclerc drew alongside Norris, he veered towards him before sharply hitting the brakes, resulting in contact between the two cars. Norris reported damage from the collision, while Leclerc's heated response was captured on team radio, where he referred to Norris in an expletive-laden outburst.
Stewards summons Charles Leclerc!
The stewards have summoned Leclerc to investigate the incident further, paralleling a separate confrontation involving Lance Stroll and Lewis Hamilton. These incidents have raised questions about the drivers' mental states, especially given the unusually competitive nature of this weekend’s races.
Also WATCH: Lance Stroll hits Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes in anger
Discussing the incident on Sky F1, 1996 F1 World Champion Damon Hill expressed his disbelief at the unprofessional conduct displayed by Leclerc. "Why would you want to drive into someone to vent your anger? It’s just not professional. I don’t understand what’s going on," Hill remarked, highlighting the unexpected tension among the drivers.
Former US racer Danica Patrick provided a different perspective, suggesting that Leclerc's reaction might have been fueled by prior events on the track. "What you don’t know is what happened before that," Patrick explained.
Also WATCH: Charles Leclerc makes cat-like reflexes to avoid going off track
"Usually, when a driver gets angry, it’s not necessarily going to be caught in that very moment but what happened on the previous corner, the previous lap. Maybe he felt like he was blocked in the corner before and so he was making a point about it. But I’m sure there was some reason for it. Road rage comes from anger, I’m betting he was in the way”, he further added.