Leclerc explains ‘unplanned’ trip to New York ahead of F1’s US GP

Leclerc spent a day in New York ahead of this weekend’s race after he was forced to miss his initial flight.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s US GP, Leclerc shed some light on why he ended up in New York.

“It was very cool, it wasn't actually planned,” Leclerc said. “My NIE [National Interest Exception] hadn't been accepted at the airport, so I couldn't take the original flight, so we changed the flight and went to New York last minute. I managed to spend one day in New York, which was my first time, which was incredible, what a city. I really, really enjoyed it. 

“And then I went to Milwaukee for the first NBA match of the season, which was crazy with the ceremony of the rings too. Just an amazing experience, and here I am in Austin, ready to get into the car tomorrow.”

While Leclerc had the correct documents, a member of staff at Nice airport was unaware of it, forcing him to miss his first flight.

"It was just one guy at the airport of Nice that for some reason didn't really know what an NIE was, and I got stuck there. He only realised one minute before closing the flight that the NIE was okay, but I didn't have my passenger locator form, so I had to stay in Nice. But anyway, it's no big deal. 

“With the same papers I could take a plane to New York, which helped me visiting this city for the first time.”