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 traditional smart smile—keen to start out the Components 1 season and restore some steadiness inside 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 ultimately season, factors had been misplaced after the event section 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 combating for the title?
“It’s clearly too early to say, but when the automotive is constantly aggressive, I consider so. This season can be very tight, with many title contenders. However I consider in myself and my capacity to get it executed.”
Are you shocked by the overwhelming enthusiasm surrounding Ferrari this 12 months?
“No. Ferrari has at all times had huge consideration, however with Lewis, every thing has exploded—it’s regular. It was unbelievable to see all that keenness at Fiorano, and we take it as a optimistic. Lewis arrived on the proper second, and Fred will know easy methods to maintain 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 priceless for me to research how he works, to listen to his suggestions with the engineers, and to see what he focuses on. He’s probably the most profitable driver in historical past, so after all, I’m attempting to study as a lot as I can.”
Will or not 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 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 wish to be his age. However I don’t assume so—he seems to be in nice form and is clearly very motivated.”
In what methods are you comparable, and in what methods are you totally different?
“We have now a really comparable driving fashion, which is nice as a result of we’ll want the identical issues from the automotive. However by way of trend, we’re utterly totally 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 executed 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 staff is in the very best place?
“That is one of the best 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 glad, however I can’t say extra as a result of I don’t know the place McLaren, Crimson Bull, and Mercedes stand.”
What does it take to win the championship?
“In comparison with final 12 months, we should be extra constant. We have to enhance in small particulars—not a lot in driving however in every thing 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.”
When you’re constantly combating for the title as hoped, do you concern the strain?
“I’ll be capable to say for positive after I’m in that state of affairs, however I really feel prepared.”
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