Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has criticized the current generation of drivers, following the pit lane incident between Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris in Singapore. The Monegasque driver collided with the McLaren driver during the second free practice session while he was on his way from his garage to the track. “The fact that Leclerc himself doesn’t look to the right says it all,” Schumacher commented.
It was a notable moment during the second free practice in Singapore: Charles Leclerc colliding with Lando Norris in the pit lane. The McLaren driver was thus pushed against the wall and had to return to his own garage for a new front wing. Ferrari was fined €10,000 for the incident.
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher finds it strange that such an incident could occur. “The mechanic said the coast was clear, which is why Leclerc ultimately didn’t get a penalty,” Schumacher analyzed on Sky Sports F1. “But the fact that Leclerc himself doesn’t look to the right says a lot. Drivers these days are so dependent on what they’re told. Thinking for themselves clearly doesn’t seem to be as important anymore. It’s certainly an embarrassing accident, but it can happen.”
Leclerc Explains
Charles Leclerc later explained that the incident occurred due to confusion over McLaren’s timing. “My camera was facing my face, so I couldn’t see well what was happening and couldn’t double-check with my mechanic,” the Monegasque explained. “When I spoke to him, there seemed to be some confusion about when the two McLarens would leave the garages. It seemed like they were going out at the same time, so he thought they would be driving slower. So, I didn’t get a notification to stop.”
