Leclerc planning more aggressive approach after Verstappen incident

Charles Leclerc says he will be more aggressive in his driving style after Max Verstappen avoided a penalty following their clash in the closing stages of the Austrian Grand Prix.

Ferrari driver Leclerc was passed for the lead by Verstappen with three laps to go at the Red Bull Ring two weeks ago after being pushed wide exiting the corner, prompting a stewards’ investigation after the race.

The officials eventually opted to take no action, confirming the victory for Verstappen and Red Bull, leaving Leclerc still waiting for his maiden F1 success.

Despite feeling aggrieved at the time, Leclerc said ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix that he was happy to move on - so long as the stewards were consistent in their officiating moving forward.

“I don’t have any problems and it was very easy for me to move on. The only thing is that I would like maybe a bit more consistency,” Leclerc said.

“I feel like there have been some other incidents in the past which have been less big, in a way, and that have been penalised. If we can race that way, I’m more than happy to race that way. I think it’s good for Formula 1. I think it’s what us drivers want.

“We just need to know what we can expect from the others, and on that, I think that’s why I would like probably more consistency on the penalties.

“I think obviously at the moment, I felt it was frustrating. Looking back at it, I’m happy that we can now race like this. I just want it to be consistent. If it’s consistent, I’m very happy to be racing like this.”

Asked if he would change his approach as a result of the ruling, Leclerc said: “As drivers, we always try to be as close as the rules limit us to be.

“So I will definitely change a little bit and adjust a little bit my aggression."