Charles Leclerc’s first practice session at the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix came to an abrupt halt after he crashed into the wall at Turn 15. The incident, which occurred midway through the session, caused significant disruption on the track. Despite the setback, Leclerc emerged unharmed, but the crash highlighted challenges for Ferrari heading into the weekend.
Leclerc’s Performance Before the Crash
Before the unfortunate incident, Charles Leclerc was performing impressively on medium tires. His times were competitive, and he was pushing hard to stay among the top drivers. However, midway through the session, he lost control of his SF-24 after clipping some dirt on the track. The crash into the barrier at Turn 15 brought out the red flag, stopping the session temporarily.
Damage to the Ferrari SF-24
The crash resulted in considerable damage to Leclerc’s Ferrari, primarily to the front suspension. The impact with the wall was severe, and the team quickly moved in to assess the extent of the damage. Although the crash set back Ferrari’s progress, they remain confident that repairs will be completed in time for the next practice session. The incident, however, raised questions about the car’s handling and Leclerc’s aggressive approach.
Red Flags Disrupt the Practice Session
Leclerc’s crash wasn’t the only disruption during the first practice session of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. In total, there were three red flags that interrupted the proceedings. Each of these stoppages slowed down the practice and forced drivers to make adjustments to their strategies. Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing, however, managed to avoid any issues and set the fastest time of the session.
No Injuries for Leclerc After the Crash
Fortunately, Charles Leclerc walked away from the crash without any injuries. After hitting the wall, he quickly exited the car, and medical personnel confirmed that he was unhurt. His resilience and determination to push the limits were evident, but the crash underscored the high risks involved in navigating the tricky streets of Baku. The Ferrari team will now focus on making the necessary repairs to get Leclerc back on track.
Ferrari’s Preparation for the Upcoming Sessions
With repairs underway, Ferrari aims to have the car ready for the next practice session later in the day. The team has remained optimistic despite the crash, as they continue to analyze the data and adjust their strategy. Leclerc will need to regain his confidence heading into qualifying, but the crash in the first practice session will undoubtedly influence the rest of the weekend.
