Leclerc bemused by no penalty for "dangerous" Magnussen
Charles Leclerc says he could not understand why Formula 1 rival Kevin Magnussen was not penalised for his "dangerous" move in their fight during the Japanese Grand Prix.
Magnussen's Haas was read-ended by the Sauber of Leclerc after the Dane suddenly moved to the right on the main straight when the Monegasque was attempting to pass at the start of the race.
The incident resulted in a puncture for Magnussen, who later retired with a damaged car.
The race stewards investigated the incident but concluded no driver was predominantly to blame and therefore imposed no penalty.
Leclerc, who called Magnussen "stupid" on the radio, said he could not understand the decision.
"For me it's clear from the cockpit, I have to watch back the images, but one or two years ago there was a very similar situation with Kimi and Max Verstappen at Spa, when Max was looking in the mirrors and then as soon as Kimi moved Max moved," Leclerc told Motorsport.com.
"And I think we all agreed at that time that it was a dangerous manoeuvre.
"I don't understand why he hasn't been penalised today. I need to understand because if that's possible then I'll do that next time and I will also expect a driver to do that.
"For me it's dangerous at this type of speed."
Leclerc said it was important for the stewards to act on Magnussen, who has been involved in several incidents this year, to make sure they understand what is allowed on track.
"I've only done one year in Formula 1 and for sure the driver which I had the most problems with is definitely Kevin.
"And I'm not the only one as I've obviously spoken with other drivers so I don't really understand why sometimes we aren't a bit more harsh with drivers like this because otherwise we are going to continue like this.
"If we can race like this, then I will also race like this but for me it's not the right way."
Previous article
Japanese GP: Hamilton wins as Vettel clashes with Verstappen
Next article
Verstappen: Vettel drove into my car, 5s penalty "stupid"
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Event | Japanese GP |
| Drivers | Charles Leclerc , Kevin Magnussen |
| Teams | Sauber |
| Author | Pablo Elizalde |
Why Mercedes isn't confident it's really ahead of Red Bull at Imola
While Mercedes struck back against Red Bull by topping the times at Imola on Friday ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the overall picture remains incredibly close. Despite having a possible edge this weekend, the reigning Formula 1 world champion squad is not taking anything for granted...
What Mercedes must do to keep its F1 title challenge on track
Mercedes may find itself leading the drivers' and constructors' standings after Lewis Hamilton's victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix, but it is well aware that it came against the odds, with Red Bull clearly ahead. Here's what the Brackley team must do to avoid its crown slipping .
The double whammy that is defining Vettel’s F1 fate
It's been a tough start to Sebastian Vettel's Aston Martin F1 career, with a lack of pre-season testing mileage followed by an incident-packed Bahrain GP. But two key underlying factors mean a turnaround is no guarantee.
The themes to watch in F1's Imola return
Three weeks is a long time in Formula 1, but in the reshaped start to the 2021 season the teams head to Imola to pick things up after the frenetic Bahrain opener. Here's what to look out for and the developments to follow at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
The 'new' F1 drivers who need to improve at Imola
After a pandemic-hit winter of seat-swapping, F1 kicked off its season with several new faces in town, other drivers adapting to new environments, and one making a much-anticipated comeback. Ben Anderson looks at who made the most of their opportunity and who needs to try harder…
The delay that quashed Aston Martin’s last F1 venture
Aston Martin’s only previous foray into Formula 1 in the late 1950s was a short-lived and unsuccessful affair. But it could have been so different, says Nigel Roebuck.
Verstappen exclusive: Why lack of titles won't hurt Red Bull's ace
Max Verstappen’s star quality in Formula 1 is clear. Now equipped with a Red Bull car that is, right now, the world title favourite and the experience to support his talent, could 2021 be the Dutchman’s year to topple the dominant force of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes?
Is Formula 1 as good as it has ever been now?
For many, many years Formula 1 has strived to do and to be better on all fronts. With close competition, a growing fanbase, a stable political landscape and rules in place to encourage sustainability, 2021 is on course to provide an unexpected peak
