Leclerc and Sainz Embark on Road Trip After Azerbaijan Race

Former Ferrari teammates Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz found themselves on an unexpected road trip after their flight from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was diverted due to severe weather. After landing in Italy instead of their intended destination of Nice, the pair decided to rent a van and drive back home to Monaco.

Leclerc, who had a challenging race in Baku, finishing in a disappointing ninth place, shared the journey with his fans via a viral video on Instagram. Sainz, who managed to secure third place for Williams—the team’s first podium finish since 2017—joined in on the light-hearted commentary about their situation.

In the video, Leclerc sets the scene, saying, “So after a very difficult weekend in Baku I thought it couldn’t get any worse but…” The camera then captures Sainz behind the wheel as they enter a tunnel. Sainz elaborates on their predicament, explaining, “We were diverted for a storm, we couldn’t land in Nice. So we landed in the middle of Italy, we rented a van and now we are on our way to Monaco.” He added humorously, “A two-hour drive, we will make it in one hour and a half,” showcasing the camaraderie the two drivers share despite their recent racing challenges.

This spontaneous trip comes at a time when the Formula One season is heating up. While Sainz celebrates a significant achievement with his podium finish, Leclerc is looking to rebound from a weekend that did not meet his expectations. The friendly banter between the two highlights the bond that remains strong even after their time together at Ferrari, which ended when Sainz lost his seat to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at the close of the previous season.

As they navigate their way back home, the duo’s road trip serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of motorsport and the camaraderie that exists among competitors, even in challenging circumstances. The video not only entertained fans but also provided a glimpse into the personalities of two of Formula One’s rising stars.