Furious hometown hero Leclerc knocked out in Monaco Q1 and starts 16th as team-mate Vettel narrowly progresses
Ferrari driver was left fuming with his team as he suffered a nightmare in front of his home crowd in Monte Carlo
CHARLES LECLERC was left seething as he was eliminated from the first qualifying session at his home grand prix in Monaco.
The Monegasque was bumped into the bottom five by his teammate Sebastian Vettel on the final lap.
Vettel went from 17th to fastest, leaving a dejected Leclerc starting the street race in 16th.
The disastrous scenario occurred because Ferrari thought their man had done enough and left him in the pits.
Despite missing a routine stop to check the legal weight of his car, Ferrari thought his lap time was quick enough to see him safely through, however, they bungled their maths.
Leclerc said: "I asked whether they were sure, they told me, we think we are. I said we should go out again, but there was no real answer.
"I have not had any explanations yet in detail but it is very difficult to take.
"We had plenty of time. The weighbridge was not the problem, we had the fuel and the tyres. I need some explanations."
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Leclerc was caught on camera questioning his team’s choice inside the garage.
But despite being consoled by strategists and mechanics, the irate driver could not hide his fury as he trudged off.
Now he will need a miracle if he is to stand any chance of claiming glory in Monte Carlo tomorrow.