Charles Leclerc taunted Max Verstappen in brilliant radio message after late VSC at Mexican Grand Prix

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Charles Leclerc fended off a late charge from Max Verstappen to finish second at the Mexican Grand Prix after a late virtual safety car ended the race.

The Monegasque driver lined up on the front row next to Lando Norris as they went four-wide into turn one. Leclerc ran wide and rejoined in the lead before handing the place back to the McLaren driver.

As Norris pulled out of sight in first, the Ferrari driver held his position for much of the race. But in the closing stages, he came under threat from Verstappen.

The medium tyre proved to be less competitive than the soft compound as Verstappen closed the gap each lap. He came within touching distance of Leclerc on the penultimate lap and looked set to overtake for second, but a virtual safety car halted proceedings.

Charles Leclerc taunted Max Verstappen in unheard radio after late VSC in Mexico

Carlos Sainz had parked his Williams off the track to retire, which brought out the VSC. It ended halfway through the final lap, which gave Verstappen no time or place to make a pass, allowing Leclerc to hold onto P2.

There was a question as to whether the VSC was necessary. But Leclerc would not have complained as Verstappen chased him down with a lap to go.

As the double yellow flags were waved, Leclerc could only laugh as he knew Verstappen would not be allowed to pass. He simply said: “Max. Max, hahahahahah,” as he entered the final lap.

Leclerc secured second for Ferrari, while teammate Lewis Hamilton was hit with a 10-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage in battle with Verstappen.

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Charles Leclerc admits late virtual safety car ‘saved’ him against Max Verstappen in Mexico

Speaking after the race via Sky Sports F1, the Ferrari driver admitted that his tyres were ‘gone’ and was feeling the pressure from Verstappen behind. He was ‘saved’ by the VSC as he grabbed his second podium in two races.

“Very happy with this weekend. Austin was very positive but to end up on the podium again is a great surprise. Very happy to be on this amazing podium again,” he said.

“I was quite happy about the VSC at the end! My tyres were completely gone. I could see Max was coming back on the softs.

“It was tough, but the VSC saved me at the end.”