Leclerc accepts he was to blame for Verstappen collision

Is the shine wearing off the British media's fawning over Leclerc now that the Ferrari has been upgraded much to Vettel's liking?

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has accepted blame for a collision with Red Bull’s that wrecked both drivers’ Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.

The 21-year-old Monegasque finished sixth but was demoted to seventh after collecting time penalties for the collision and continuing with a damaged car, while Verstappen retired from engine partner Honda’s home race.

The Dutchman had accused Leclerc in the immediate aftermath of ‘irresponsible’ driving.

Leclerc said initially it was a ‘tricky situation’ but later recognized his mistake.

“I had a poor start. I got a little bit distracted," he told reporters.

“I was on the inside and being behind Seb (Vettel) and Lewis (Hamilton), I lost a little bit the front (of the car)," he explained. “Normally you need to anticipate those things and I didn’t. So I’m the one to blame."