Charles Leclerc to miss F1 Canadian GP second practice after FP1 crash

Charles Leclerc will miss second practice at Formula 1’s Canadian Grand Prix after his FP1 crash left him with chassis damage.

Leclerc was leading opening practice in Montreal after 15 minutes when he locked up his tyres into Turn 3 and under steered into the grass on the outside. The Ferrari driver was unable to prevent a violent hit with the wall, smashing up the front-left corner of his SF-25.

The incident prompted a brief red flag, with Leclerc ultimately ending the session in 10th.

Speaking to the media in between both practice sessions, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur suggested that Leclerc damaged his car chassis and because of a chassis change plus other checks, the Monegasque is unable to contest Friday afternoon’s second practice session.

“When I left the garage, we think that we damaged the chassis and we won’t be able to do FP2 by regulation,” Vasseur said. “We need to do some checks but I think it’s over for today for Charles.”

Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari

Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images

Ferrari has since confirmed Leclerc’s chassis will have to be replaced ahead of tomorrow’s running, and said the Monegasque will not take any further part in Friday’s running.

“Due to the damage to his car sustained in the crash in FP1, Charles Leclerc will not take part in FP2, as the survival cell on his SF-25 needs to be replaced,” a spokesperson said. “As per the regulations, Charles will be able to drive in FP3.”

Leclerc apologised to the squad for what he labelled a driver error, but the 27-year-old was far from the only driver to slip up in what appeared to be very low-grip circumstances.

His Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton completed a full spin at the hairpin, while Mercedes’ George Russell and McLaren driver Lando Norris all took to the grass at various points due to snap oversteer.

Max Verstappen set the pace in FP1 with a slender advantage on Williams duo Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz.