F1 Fans Go Mad Over Charles Leclerc's "Embarrassing" Shootout Prize Reaction

The Azerbaijan Sprint Shootout has come to an end with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc gaining yet another pole position for the weekend. The Monegasque driver set a lap time only a tenth or so ahead of Red Bull's Sergio Perez with a brilliant lap, showing no fear of the tight and twisty Baku circuit. But after all his work, he was given a cap for his victory.

Fans have poked fun at this, as they notice how little interest he had in his winnings.

Charles’ disapproval of this cap was absolutely hilarious 😭

https://t.co/eVorfMsm7v
— Ferrari News 🐎 (@FanaticsFerrari) April 29, 2023

"Charles’ disapproval of this cap was absolutely hilarious," said Ferrari News on Twitter.

"At least a medal or a little trophy, or a little wheel with another inscription in it," another says. "But no, a horrible cap."

A third adds: "How on earth a damn cap is considered a prize in a f1 competition?! EMBARRASSING" [sic]

Leclerc's face didn't look overly happy when he was given the cap, which features a black base with coloured highlights and the Pirelli logo.

"No pole trophy like normal, but he's taken the shootout... It's immediately removed," the commentator says as Leclerc places the hat down and walks away.

I would assume the reasoning behind the cap is because this sprint format was confirmed so late in the day that they weren't able to get anything made up to give to the pole sitter. I would even go as far as to think the hat was stashed in a locker somewhere and someone pulled it out and said, "how about this, boss?"

It's an embarrassing moment for the FIA, and even Leclerc who had to seem appreciative of a hat after his risking his life to put his car on pole position.

With Saturday's Grand Prix well underway, we await the sprint race which will consist of 17 laps. Let's see how much this track has to offer with such a format.