Charles Leclerc acknowledges that the "aggressive" Lando Norris who punted him into a spin early in the Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix caught him off guard.
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After a safety car period that was brought on by a collision between Kevin Magnussen and Daniel Ricciardo immediately following the initial start, the incident took place on the first flying lap. Leclerc, who was on medium tyres, had been passed by Norris off the line. Leclerc was trying to re-pass Norris at the time of the safety car restart when the McLaren driver nudged him into a spin. Leclerc’s car’s front hit the barrier, forcing him to pit for a new nose and start a recovery drive. For the incident, Norris was given a five-second time penalty and two penalty points. He also had to retire from the race because of an electrical problem.
Norris wasn’t typically the kind of driver to make contact, Leclerc acknowledged. When asked by Motorsport.com if he expected the Englishman to make such a move, he responded, “No, of course not.” “Obviously, I know Lando is not this kind of guy, but for some reason, today, as well as yesterday with Carlos, he was quite pushy. “I’m not sure how to explain it, but it works like this. I didn’t expect him to allow me through in the end, and he didn’t, but today was too much for him, and I believe that’s why he got the penalty. I believe I left space—in fact, I’m very sure I did—so I believe he lost the rear and then touched me. So it’s unfortunate.
