Now in his seventh season with Ferrari, Charles Leclerc finds himself within the uncommon place of being each the veteran and, for as soon as, considerably within the shadows. Overshadowed by the accolades of his new teammate, he maintains his ordinary clever smile—keen to start out the Components 1 season and restore some stability throughout the storage and the headlines. Right here is the Monegasque driver’s newest interview for the Italian day by day newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Wanting again eventually season, factors had been misplaced after the event part between Montreal and Silverstone. What wants to enhance this 12 months?
“We have to begin stronger, staying up entrance with the highest groups from the very starting. Final 12 months, we weren’t quick sufficient at the beginning, however general, the season was wonderful.”
To be direct: will you be preventing for the title?
“It’s clearly too early to say, but when the automotive is constantly aggressive, I imagine so. This season can be very tight, with many title contenders. However I imagine in myself and my capacity to get it carried out.”
Are you shocked by the overwhelming enthusiasm surrounding Ferrari this 12 months?
“No. Ferrari has at all times had large consideration, however with Lewis, all the things has exploded—it’s regular. It was implausible to see all that keenness at Fiorano, and we take it as a optimistic. Lewis arrived on the proper second, and Fred will know find out how to hold feelings on the proper stage. We’ll be a lot stronger than in earlier years.”
How is it working with Lewis?
“We haven’t spent a lot time collectively but, however I can already say that it’s extremely useful for me to investigate how he works, to listen to his suggestions with the engineers, and to see what he focuses on. He’s essentially the most profitable driver in historical past, so in fact, I’m making an attempt to be taught as a lot as I can.”
Will or not it’s a troublesome problem?
“The hardest of my profession. Having him as a teammate is a superb motivation—not solely to be taught, as I stated, but in addition to show what I can do. I can’t wait.”
Will age work in your favor?
“I don’t know—I don’t know what it feels prefer to be his age. However I don’t suppose so—he seems in nice form and is clearly very motivated.”
In what methods are you related, and in what methods are you totally different?
“Now we have a really related driving fashion, which is nice as a result of we’ll want the identical issues from the automotive. However by way of style, we’re utterly totally different—he’s very into it, and I’m a lot much less so.”
Will you assist one another?
“Sure, in fact. Teammates push one another to do higher—I’ve at all times carried out that.”
How’s the chess going?
“We performed three video games on Tuesday—he gained two, I gained one. General, he’s forward three to 2, however I’ll catch up.”
Would you say the workforce is in the very best place?
“That is the perfect mindset I’ve seen since I’ve been right here. It’s exhausting to say if we’re extra assured than in previous years. In 2019, I used to be tremendous assured after testing, however after the primary race, I used to be so pissed off that I promised myself by no means to make predictions once more. I’m happy, however I can’t say extra as a result of I don’t know the place McLaren, Purple Bull, and Mercedes stand.”
What does it take to win the championship?
“In comparison with final 12 months, we have to be extra constant. We have to enhance in small particulars—not a lot in driving however in all the things round it, communication with engineers, and the little issues that make a distinction. And we will’t afford to depart too many factors on the desk.”
Should you’re constantly preventing for the title as hoped, do you concern the stress?
“I’ll be capable of say for certain once I’m in that scenario, however I really feel prepared.”
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us
