Brawn thinks aggressive Leclerc drove like "great champions always do"

F1 News

10 September 2019 at 13:40
  • Nicolás Quarles van Ufford

Amidst the discussion whether Charles Leclerc broke the rules or not when battling Lewis Hamilton during the Italian Grand Prix, Ross Brawn has praised the Monegasque for his drive as he "was on the limit of what the rules allow".

The 20-year-old got away well after getting pole position in that bizarre qualifying session on Saturday, but the now two-time Grand Prix winner was soon getting chased down by Hamilton. 

Leclerc had to get his elbows out to keep the five-time champion behind him, with some saying he broke the rules when pushing Hamilton off the track at turn four.

No penalty was given to Leclerc, and regardless of the ruling, Brawn explained why he rated the young star's performance so much.

"The Ferrari man did not back down and was on the limit of what the rules allow, as great champions always are and have to be," he told Autosport.com.

"In fact, Leclerc was also very shrewd in the way he handled the situation in that truly bizarre Q3 qualifying session on Saturday.

"Following on from his win in Spa the previous Sunday, Charles had an incredible weekend.

"The thing that impresses me most about him is how quickly he learns from everything he does, getting better all the time, as a driver and as a man."

It's two wins on the spin now for Leclerc, who finally came off the mark at Spa Francorchamps as he took his maiden F1 win after he had already taken two pole positions. 

Although Ferrari typically don't perform well in Singapore, where next week's race is held, you can never count out an in-form driver, especially someone who is as talented as Charles Leclerc.