P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The Ferrari driver believes he could have won the Las Vegas Grand Prix if there was not a second Safety Car.
When George Russell collided with Max Verstappen 26 laps into the Las Vegas Grand Prix, it ruined Charles Leclerc’s chances of winning. Sergio Perez took advantage of the Safety Car period and pitted from the lead, emerging behind Leclerc. Verstappen also pitted and rejoined in fifth. Verstappen had a five-second time penalty for a move on Leclerc at the start, but now had track position and fresh tires to attack. Leclerc believed he could have won without the Safety Car, as he had a good first stint on the Medium tires. However, the call to pit during the Safety Car was difficult for Ferrari to judge. The low track temperatures and slower Safety Car conditions made it difficult to restart on used tires. Leclerc ultimately lost the race after making a mistake under pressure.
