2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button didn’t hold back after the dramatic British Grand Prix, taking aim at Charles Leclerc’s decision-making in chaotic race conditions. Button jokingly advised the rest of the grid: “Whatever Charles Leclerc does, just do the opposite.”
Leclerc, who started 6th on the grid, found himself tumbling down the order in a rain-affected and strategy-heavy race at Silverstone. While most drivers began the race on intermediate tyres, Leclerc and four others opted to gamble by switching to slicks early on, hoping the rain would hold off. Unfortunately for Leclerc, that gamble didn’t pay off.
As rain returned, he was forced back onto intermediates and briefly climbed into the top 10. When the track dried again near the end of the race, Leclerc switched to soft slicks and surged up to 7th place, only to lose control on a damp patch and slide off-track, eventually finishing 14th.
Button noted that changeable conditions have never been a strong suit for either Leclerc or his Ferrari engineers. In his own words: “When things get tricky, they tend to be on the losing side more often than not.” Meanwhile, Leclerc’s teammate Lewis Hamilton made far better strategic calls and finished 4th, salvaging a strong result for the team.