Leclerc Raises Eyebrows: Claims Red Bull and McLaren Employ ‘Weird’ Engine Tactics for Speed Advantage

Charles Leclerc: Red Bull and McLaren Employ Unusual Tactics for Increased Top Speed

"They're utilizing some unconventional methods with their power units, in terms of energy."

Charles Leclerc has suggested that Ferrari's Formula 1 competitors, Red Bull and McLaren, are engaging in peculiar tactics to enhance their performance on straight sections of the track.

The driver from Monaco secured a third-place finish in his enhanced Ferrari, coming in after Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris during Sunday’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.

Following the competition, Leclerc pointed out that Ferrari was falling significantly behind their competitors in terms of speed and speculated that Red Bull and McLaren had discovered a method to enhance their engines' output.

"He expressed to Sky that he believes their speed during the race is exceptionally strong. Reflecting on the qualifying session compared to yesterday, he feels more hopeful, identifying it as an area where they seem to fall short during weekends like this."

"What fills me with hope is that upon reviewing the data, my initial belief was that we were falling behind during turns two, three, and four, likely due to tyre issues. However, that turned out not to be true."

"In the straights, we were completely outpaced, and there's some unusual manipulation of energy happening with the engines, specifically by McLaren and Red Bull."

"We're going to investigate that issue. After we resolve it, we stand a good chance of returning to the top position on the podium."

By the conclusion of the 63-lap race, Leclerc crossed the finish line almost eight seconds after Norris and Verstappen.

When questioned about the possibility of overtaking Norris for second place, Leclerc responded, "To be honest, I don't believe it was."

"We had to compensate for Oscar during the initial phase. It was crucial not to forfeit our spot in the race on such a circuit."

"We had to intervene with Oscar's approach. He was aggressively utilizing the hard tyres in the initial laps, which complicated my ability to maintain tyre condition during the early phase of using the hard tyres."

"Subsequently, I noticed I was gaining on Lando. My initial thought was to pressure him. However, the moment I closed the gap, they increased their pace. From that point on, Lando was out of sight.

"They had strength, but I truly think today was primarily focused on the position on the track."

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