With only six laps remaining in the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc inexplicably made contact on the straight approaching the Descinda do Lago curve at the Interlagos circuit.
The split-second contact ended both of their races, damaging Leclerc’s front-right wheel, before sending Vettel limping into retirement as well with a left-rear puncture. It was a disastrous incident for the Scuderia, as both drivers were still fighting for a podium finish.
Related: Re-Watch Sebastian Vettel Taking Out Max Verstappen At Silverstone
Fortunately for them, neither driver was punished by the Stewards after the race, with team principal Mattia Binotto stating that both “have got at least a small or part percentage of responsibility,” with regards to what happened.
“Everything happened very quick,” said Leclerc. “From my side I overtook in Turn 1, I enjoyed this overtake – and then in Turn 3 I [was] too close because I was aware that Seb would try again, and he did – he went round the outside where there was little space.”
“And I left the space, which he took, and then towards the end of the straight he started to squeeze me a little bit to the inside and we were very close… and as soon as he went to the inside we touched and I had a puncture.”
Vettel meanwhile had more of a cold take, stating: “I didn’t have much space on the right and I obviously had a better run out of Turn 2, and tried to pass in Turn 3, that was it. It’s a shame for the team, obviously, we didn’t finish the race. That has priority.”
Who do you think was more at fault for this incident?
Note: With the FIA always keen to remove third-party F1 footage, you can also watch the original clip here.