Scuderia Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc was left frustrated after finishing the Italian Grand Prix under Safety Car conditions.
McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo retired from the race through the closing stages, and his difficult placement at the track meant the Safety Car was needed for safe removal of the vehicle. However, the decision was delayed and several laps were lost from the moment the Australian stopped to the moment the operation to remove his car had begun.
Later, heavy machinery was introduced to the track to remove the car and the actions were criticized, with many calling for the race to be red-flagged, which would allow a safe removal as well as a green-flag finish to the race.
However, it didn’t happen. The Safety Car stayed on the track until the end of the race, which prompted criticism from several drivers including Leclerc, who complained the track was clear and there was no point for the SC conditions to continue.
“The end was frustrating. I wish we could have ended up racing,” Leclerc said after the race.
“Unfortunately we were second at that point because of what happened earlier. It’s a shame. I gave everything.”
