Charles Leclerc’s furious three-word reaction to George Russell’s crash at US Grand Prix

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George Russell’s crash brought qualifying to an early end at the US Grand Prix. Naturally, some benefitted, while others were compromised.

Russell lost the rear of his car at the fast penultimate corner, spinning into the barriers. This led to double yellows, which forced the drivers to back off on their final laps.

It was a crucial stroke of luck for title contender Lando Norris. The McLaren driver showed the importance of getting a lap in early when he edged Max Verstappen on the first runs.

It was an inspired effort from the Briton given that Verstappen seemed on course for a comfortable pole position. The only question was whether it would hold.

Verstappen ominously shaved two-tenths off Norris’ time in the first sector of the lap, but he wasn’t able to see it through. Norris had failed to set a personal best through the same section.

Carlos Sainz was three-tenths down on the front two regardless so may have been content to keep third. But Charles Leclerc lost the chance to leapfrog his teammate.

Oscar Piastri will be disappointed with fifth, though he’s struggled for pace throughout the weekend. Russell is currently set for P6 but any damage to his gearbox could lead to a five-place penalty.

Charles Leclerc beats his steering wheel after George Russell crash ends US Grand Prix qualifying

Just like the rest of the cars on track, Leclerc would have received a message from engineer Bryan Bozzi telling him to slow down due to Russell’s accident. This provoked a furious reaction in the cockpit.

Onboard footage shows Leclerc hitting the steering wheel in frustration. It’s the first time Sainz has outqualified him since Hungary in July.

Leclerc cried ‘for **** sake’ over the radio but he’ll still be in a position to compete on Sunday. Ferrari showed strong pace in the Sprint.

Sainz passed Norris on the final lap to grab second place. But for a prolonged battle between the two scarlet red cars earlier in the race, they could have put eventual winner Verstappen on alert too.

Martin Brundle says Lando Norris used ‘extreme’ tactic in Charles Leclerc battle

Leclerc hoped to follow Sainz through and make it a double podium, of sorts, for Ferrari in the Sprint. But he was unhappy with Norris’ defence of P3.

He levelled accusations of ‘moving under braking’ after a near-miss at turn 15. Martin Brundle said Norris braked ‘extremely early’ as he tried to block Leclerc from passing him on the inside.

However, the Sky Sports F1 pundit deemed it fair racing. The stewards investigated whether any ‘erratic driving’ had occurred, but they came to the same conclusion.

Guenther Steiner has urged Leclerc to learn from Lewis Hamilton when the seven-time world champion arrives at Maranello next year. Hamilton controls his emotions expertly inside the cockpit, though one can understand Leclerc’s reaction in this instance.