Charles Leclerc has apologised to the Tifosi for giving them a “heart attack” on the final lap of the Italian Grand Prix last weekend, whilst fighting Carlos Sainz for third.
Leclerc started the race in third and remained there for the bulk of the 51-lap event, before he was overtaken by Sergio Perez.
Perez also got past Leclerc’s team-mate, promoting the Mexican to second and demoting Carlos Sainz to third.
Once Perez found a way past the 29-year-old, he cleared off, leaving Sainz and Leclerc to battle for the final place on the podium.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
Given that it was the team’s home race, both drivers did everything they could to claim the position, which ultimately went to Sainz in the end.
The Spaniard put on a tremendous defensive display to keep P3, with his name having been chanted by the Tifosi whilst on the podium.
However, Leclerc gave it his all to overtake his team-mate, although it nearly ended in disaster.
Leclerc carried too much speed into the opening corner to try and attempt a dive into the chicane, only for Sainz to go defensive into the tight bend.
The Monegasque was forced to dive to the outside of Sainz at the last second and slam on the brakes, resulting in a huge lock-up.
He came so close to taking himself and Sainz out of the race, something Ferrari would’ve never forgiven him for.
Thankfully, he avoided his team-mate and brought home P4, leaving Sainz to finish on the podium.
Leclerc was very apologetic to the Ferrari fans for what happened on the final lap but insisted that his duel with his team-mate was “what Formula 1 should be”.
“I’m glad that Ferrari is on the podium,” he told Ferrari’s official X page.
READ: Breaking: FIA reports 2022 budget cap compliance
“Today we gave it all, honestly this is the most enjoyable race of the season so far we fight it like crazy with Carlos which was fun. Both of us, he was on the limit in defending, I was on the limit attacking, but that’s what Formula 1 should be.
“The fighting with Max, with Checo, with Carlos was really fun and I really enjoyed it and to have a Ferrari on the podium is always great.
“Thank you for your support, guys, and sorry for the heart attack.”