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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari 312 B3 after the crash
Autosport Plus
Opinion

Why Leclerc's historics crash shouldn't put off F1 drivers tasting history

OPINION: For a demo run ahead of Monaco's Historique Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc was blessed with the opportunity to drive Niki Lauda's former Ferrari 312B3 - but a brake failure at Rascasse suggested Leclerc's Monaco hoodoo transcended contemporary F1. Although an awkward incident, Leclerc deserves credit for embracing F1's history

Formula 1 drivers live the dream that many of us once possessed and enjoy a privileged lifestyle. Professionally at least, it’s difficult to feel sorry for them. But not long after the rear wing of the ex-Niki Lauda Ferrari 312B3 crumpled against the Rascasse barrier last Sunday, perhaps Charles Leclerc was deserving of a little empathy.

When the current championship leader dropped the high-airbox machine from 1974 during a demonstration run at the Monaco Historique Grand Prix, it looked as though the back axle had locked when he downshifted in the braking zone. In other words, might a racer used to a semi-automatic change have fluffed his heel-and-toe and the H-pattern manual to trigger the spin?

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