From Autosport · Ben Vinel · · 1m
Leclerc Keeps Mexico GP Lead After Turn 5 Controversy
Leclerc retains Mexico GP lead despite illegal turn 5 move and penalty.
In brief
Leclerc retains Mexico GP lead despite illegal turn 5 move and penalty. Leclerc kept Mexico GP lead after illegally cutting Turn 5, receiving five-second penalty but finishing fourth. Originally reported by Autosport.
Leclerc's Turn 5 Move
Leclerc cut Turn 5 after illegally overtaking Hamilton, keeping lead despite penalty.
“Lewis and i both tried to brake very late, we both didn't make the corner, i obviously cut the track.”
Penalty and Position
Leclerc received five-second penalty for track limits violation but stayed ahead of rivals.
“Eventually then after turn five there was max in between, which made the situation more confusing.”
Hamilton's Reaction
Hamilton criticized Leclerc for retaining lead, claiming stewards handed him win.
“The problem is he's got clean air, and doesn't have to manage like the rest of us.”
Team Strategy
Leclerc and Hamilton discussed post-incident, with Leclerc expecting penalty but staying ahead.
“We spoke briefly with the team to try and understand what to do.”
Race Outcome
Leclerc finished fourth after penalty, maintaining sixth consecutive top-four finish.
“I think we had quite a good pace, but unfortunately on the second restart everything went a bit more difficult.”
Tyre Damage
Leclerc's front-left tyre damaged during second restart after Valtteri Bottas crash.
“There was quite a lot of marbles on the right side of the track, and when i went on the brake, even though i didn't put a massive amount of brake pressure, i locked up straight away.”
Post-Race Analysis
Leclerc acknowledged mistakes in Turn 4-5, with penalty impact on race outcome.
“For turn five we both made a mistake, i paid with a penalty, then you can argue whether it's enough or not.”
The main idea
Leclerc kept Mexico GP lead after illegally cutting Turn 5, receiving five-second penalty but finishing fourth.
