CHARLES LECLERC sparked controversy when he collided with Lando Norris and launched an X-rated rant live on Sky Sports.
But the Ferrari ace escaped punishment after stewards reviewed the dramatic incident in final practice for the Spanish Grand Prix.
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Leclerc seemed to think Brit Norris – who went on to take pole for Sunday’s race – was holding him back unfairly on the Barcelona track.
Eventually the Monégasque driver overtook the 24-year-old’s McLaren as he entered turns 7/8.
But Leclerc cut back sharply to the inside racing line – appearing to clip Norris’ wing mirror quite clearly.
The 26-year-old was then heard saying: “F*****. I don’t understand why they did it.”
That’s thought to be his verdict on the tactics of Norris and his team.
Stewards watched replays of the exchange – before “reprimanding” Leclerc but NOT giving him a grid penalty.
Their statement read: “The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 16 (Charles Leclerc), the driver of Car 4 (Lando Norris), team representatives and reviewed video, team radio and in-car video evidence.
“The driver of Car 16 stated that he got impeded by Car 4 into Turn 5 and that upset him.
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“He then had to abort his flying lap and contended that, while trying to get off the racing line before Turn 7, he misjudged the position of his car and made slight contact with Car 4.
“Irrespective of any possible intent, the Stewards consider the move made by Car 16, whilst not being dangerous, to be erratic and therefore issue a driving reprimand in line with precedents.”
Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year
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But fans on social media seemed to reckon Leclerc got off lightly.
One demanded: “Weekend ban immediately. Utterly disgraceful.”
Another posted: “I have no idea what Leclerc has done this. No excuse.”
Lando later rubbed salt into Leclerc’s wounds by nicking pole from F1 world champion and current table leader Max Verstappen.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton out-qualified Mercedes team-mate George Russell for just the second occasion this year as they took third and fourth spots.
F1 2025 grid
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Here are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:
Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez
Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes: George Russell and TBC
McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll
Williams: Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz
Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBC
Alpine: Pierre Gasly and TBC
RB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBC
Haas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon