Charles Leclerc ‘did not drink’ in F1 Qatar GP due to bottle issue

Charles Leclerc revealed that he “did not drink” in the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix due to an issue with the bottle inside his car.

The Ferrari driver took second place at the Lusail International Circuit behind Max Verstappen, who won the race with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in third spot.

After the race, Leclerc spoke to media including Motorsport Week that a problem with the drinks bottle had malfunctioned in some way.

“Yes, I did not drink,” he said, “but honestly, I don’t think it was that much of an issue for this race. Last year would have been a really, really big issue.

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“I think I wouldn’t have finished the race without my drink, but this year it was actually pretty chill.”

Leclerc was of course referring to the extreme heat plagued drivers in last year’s corresponding Grand Prix, which was held in October.

Many drivers suffered in the oppressive conditions, including Logan Sargeant, who was forced to retire his Williams with exhaustion and suspected heatstroke.

This year’s race was held seven weeks later, ensuring that temperatures were approximately 15 degrees lower than last year.

Leclerc said that “in terms of hydration, it wasn’t bad,” adding: “But it was quite physical in the corners, just because we have no saving to do today.

“There was basically no saving. It was just flat out pushing from the first lap to the last lap, which is quite enjoyable as a driver, but I don’t think any of us drivers had out heads straight in the fast corners at the end of the race.

“It was very physical.”

Leclerc’s second place, coupled with team-mate Carlos Sainz’s sixth, helps Ferrari stay in-touch with McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship going into the final round in Abu Dhabi next week.

The prancing horse is in second spot, 21 points adrift of the Woking-based squad in what will surely be an exciting final race to determine the victor