CHARLES LECLERC sparked controversy when he collided with Lando Norris and launched an X-rated rant live on Sky Sports.
But the Ferrari ace escaped punishment after stewards reviewed the dramatic incident in final practice for the Spanish Grand Prix.
Viewers were shocked to see and hear the incident as Charles Leclerc overtook Lando Norris before cutting back inside
Leclerc appeared to believe Brit Norris was holding him back unfairly on the Barcelona track.
Eventually the Monégasque driver overtook the 24-year-old’s McLaren as he entered turns 7/8.
But Leclerc cut back sharply to the inside racing line – seeming to clip Norris’ wing mirror quite clearly.
The 26-year-old was then heard saying: “F*****. I don’t understand why they did it.”
That’s reckoned to be a reference to the tactics of Norris and his team.
Stewards watched replays of the exchange – before “reprimanding” Leclerc but NOT giving him a grid penalty.
Their statement read: “The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 16 (Charles Leclerc), the driver of Car 4 (Lando Norris), team representatives and reviewed video, team radio and in-car video evidence.
“The driver of Car 16 stated that he got impeded by Car 4 into Turn 5 and that upset him.
Leclerc seemed frustrated before finally overtaking Norris
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“He then had to abort his flying lap and contended that, while trying to get off the racing line before Turn 7, he misjudged the position of his car and made slight contact with Car 4.
“Irrespective of any possible intent, the Stewards consider the move made by Car 16, whilst not being dangerous, to be erratic and therefore issue a driving reprimand in line with precedents.”But fans on social media seemed to reckon leclerc got off lightly.
One demanded: “Weekend ban immediately. Utterly disgraceful.”
Another posted: “I have no idea what Leclerc has done this. No excuse.”
Meanwhile, home favourite Carlos Sainz topped practice – just pipping Norris and Leclerc.
F1 world champion and current table leader Max Verstappen was fourth.
F1 2025 grid
Here are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:
Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez
Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes: George Russell and TBC
McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and TBC
Williams: Alex Albon and TBC
Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBC
Alpine: TBC x2
RB: TBC x2
Haas: TBC x2