Leclerc explains viral radio exchange as ‘inside joke'

Dominika Jordan
Mar 20, 2025, 07:42 AM ET

In Shanghai, Charles Leclerc clarified the viral radio exchange with Ferrari race engineer Bryan Bozzi during the Australian Grand Prix, revealing it was an inside joke. Mid-race, Leclerc reported water in his cockpit, leading to an amusing team radio moment.

Leclerc: "Is there a leakage?"

Bozzi: "A leakage where?"

Leclerc: "I have the seat full of water."

Bozzi: "Must be the water."

Leclerc: "Let's add that to the words of wisdom."

This exchange quickly became a fan favorite on social media. Ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, Leclerc explained the leak was due to his drinks bottle and emphasized the private humor involved. "It was an inside joke, but obviously nobody could understand it from outside," Leclerc stated. "It was coming from the drink [bottle], so obviously I had zero drink, and I was wet, but that's fine."

Leclerc finished the Australian race in eighth place after starting seventh, with teammate Lewis Hamilton qualifying eighth and finishing tenth. Despite McLaren's opening race victory, Leclerc is optimistic about Ferrari's potential, noting they were unable to showcase their true performance.

"McLaren are definitely ahead, they are definitely ahead," Leclerc said. He maintained that Ferrari is competitive with Red Bull and Mercedes on lap times, suggesting there is potential to catch up to McLaren.