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 normal sensible smile—keen to start out the Formulation 1 season and restore some steadiness inside the storage and the headlines. Right here is the Monegasque driver’s newest interview for the Italian every day newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Wanting again finally season, factors had been misplaced after the event part between Montreal and Silverstone. What wants to enhance this yr?
“We have to begin stronger, staying up entrance with the highest groups from the very starting. Final yr, we weren’t quick sufficient at the beginning, however general, the season was glorious.”
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 shall 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 yr?
“No. Ferrari has at all times had huge consideration, however with Lewis, all the things has exploded—it’s regular. It was improbable to see all that keenness at Fiorano, and we take it as a constructive. Lewis arrived on the proper second, and Fred will know the right way 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 worthwhile for me to research 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 after all, I’m attempting to study as a lot as I can.”
Will it’s a tricky problem?
“The hardest of my profession. Having him as a teammate is a superb motivation—not solely to study, as I mentioned, 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 wish 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 comparable, and in what methods are you completely different?
“Now we have a really comparable driving type, which is nice as a result of we’ll want the identical issues from the automotive. However when it comes to vogue, we’re fully completely different—he’s very into it, and I’m a lot much less so.”
Will you assist one another?
“Sure, after all. 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. Total, he’s forward three to 2, however I’ll catch up.”
Would you say the workforce is in the absolute best place?
“That is one of the best mindset I’ve seen since I’ve been right here. It’s laborious 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 annoyed 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, Pink Bull, and Mercedes stand.”
What does it take to win the championship?
“In comparison with final yr, 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 are able to’t afford to depart too many factors on the desk.”
In the event you’re constantly preventing for the title as hoped, do you worry the stress?
“I’ll have the ability to say for certain once I’m in that state of affairs, however I really feel prepared.”
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