It’s perhaps the cruelest twist of fate an F1 driver can encounter – a retirement on a race's very formation lap.
An electronics issue, robbing him of hydraulics, left Charles Leclerc without a gearbox or power steering on his way to Sunday’s Sao Paulo GP grid, ultimately guiding his Ferrari into the unforgiving barriers.
It was a heart-wrenching setback for the Monegasque who had high expectations for his race at Interlagos. But one thing that defines great champions is their resilience in the face of adversity.
Leclerc’s grit, determination and unwavering spirit will undoubtedly rise above this challenging moment, using it as a steppingstone to even greater heights in the races yet to come.
Charles stands tall, down but not broken.
