Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc says the ”air is cleared” with Sergio Perez following their on-track incidents during the Austrian Grand Prix.
Leclerc was pushed wide and into the gravel by Perez on two separate occasions at Turns 4 and 6 on Sunday.
Having received two five-second time penalties for his role in the altercations, Perez stated after the race that he was “very sorry” for his defensive driving.
Two years ago at the Red Bull Ring, Leclerc was forced wide while battling with Max Verstappen for the lead of the race, however he says that this instance doesn’t quite compare.
“Let’s say this one is a little bit different,” Leclerc said. “Because you can argue two years ago I was not in front at the apex, or we were very close at least.
“But this year I was definitely in front at the apex. He had to leave a space on the exit. I think he knows he over-stepped it a little bit.”
Leclerc asserted that he talked with Perez following the chequered flag and has moved on.
“We spoke with Checo, he apologised straight away after the race,” Leclerc confirmed.
“It’s fine, I’m not the type of guy who is staying on it for so long. So the air is cleared and I’ll go forward.
“I feel like this one this one was obviously a little bit different, the consequences were different for me, there were gravels, not tarmac, and I was also in front at the apex round the outside. So normally you need to leave the space.”
Leclerc ended the race in eighth place, while Perez was sixth, having lost fifth after the two five-second time penalties were applied.
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