F1 news: Charles Leclerc blames brake issues after Monaco GP crash
Charles Leclerc says ongoing brake issues contributed to his Monaco Grand Prix crash as the Ferrari driver voiced his frustration following a difficult weekend in Monte Carlo.
The Monegasque driver retired from his home race after losing control and hitting the barriers, with the incident forming part of a chaotic Grand Prix that also featured multiple retirements and penalties.
While Leclerc has often been quick to accept responsibility for mistakes, he insists Monaco was different.
Leclerc rejects blame
"I don't know how much I can go into the detail. It's extremely frustrating," Leclerc told Sky Sports F1.
"I've always been very honest, and no matter how many mistakes I do, I would hate to look at myself in the mirror and see myself finding excuses when I do a mistake.
"That's why I'm always bluntly honest whenever I'm in front of cameras, but I'm not going to take any of it today."
Leclerc revealed the issue centred around inconsistent braking behaviour, something he says has affected him across the last two races.
"It's not even braking. I touch the brakes and there's just something with those brakes.
"On the front brakes, it just broke a lot more than what I thought, and in the rear brakes, it had no deceleration at all."
READ MORE: Monaco GP news: Pierre Gasly left 'heartbroken' as drivers question pit-lane speeding penalties
Problems stretching beyond Monaco
According to Leclerc, the problem first emerged before Monaco and became increasingly difficult to manage.
"That's what I'm dealing with since two races now.
"Here and in Montreal with cold tyre temperatures, the inconsistency and tyres being more sensitive because you are on the limit, have just been an absolute nightmare."
The comments prompted a response from brake supplier Brembo, who expressed surprise at Leclerc's assessment of the situation following the race.
Hamilton setup offers solution
Despite his frustration, Leclerc believes Ferrari may already have identified a fix.
"We do have the solution, and I will go into Lewis' direction from the next race onwards and that will solve the issues I deal with," he said.
The Ferrari driver suggested Hamilton's brake configuration may offer the consistency he has been searching for, potentially ending a problem that has disrupted his last two race weekends.
With Ferrari continuing to chase Mercedes and championship leader Kimi Antonelli, attention now turns to whether the changes can help Leclerc rediscover his form at the Barcelona Grand Prix.
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