Leclerc handed three-place penalty for Lap 1 incident in Sakhir F1 GP

Charles Leclerc has been awarded a three-place grid penalty for the incident involving Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen on the opening lap of the Sakhir F1 Grand Prix.

On the run down to Turn 4, Leclerc broke too late as Perez and Valtteri Bottas duelled for second place.

Leclerc locked up, spun Perez around and ended up in the barrier, while Verstappen was forced to take avoiding action, also ending in the barrier.

A statement from the FIA confirmed Leclerc was to blame for the incident and will drop three places in next weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

He will also have two penalty points added to his license.

The statement read: “Car 16 collided with Car 11 at Turn 4, forcing Car 33 to take avoiding action which resulted in Car 33 hitting the barrier.

“The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 16 (Charles Leclerc), team representatives and have reviewed multiple angles of video evidence. Car 16 braked too late into Turn 4, locking the front right wheel and colliding with Car 11 which was taking the normal racing line into the corner.”

Reflecting on the events of Lap 1, Leclerc took responsibility for the incident.

"I was in fifth I think, and I was side-by-side, a bit behind Max I think, and tried to overtake him into Turn 4," Leclerc said. "I had seen Checo, but I expected him to go around the outside of Valtteri and stay there, but I think he decided after to come back on the inside, and I was there.

"It was too late for me to slow down. I don't think it's a mistake from Checo, I'm not putting the blame on Checo. If there's anybody to blame today, it's me. But I would say it's more unfortunate than blame."