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 sensible smile—keen to begin the System 1 season and restore some stability inside the storage and the headlines. Right here is the Monegasque driver’s newest interview for the Italian each day newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Trying again eventually season, factors have 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 firstly, however total, 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 shall be very tight, with many title contenders. However I imagine in myself and my means 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, every part has exploded—it’s regular. It was unbelievable to see all that zeal at Fiorano, and we take it as a optimistic. Lewis arrived on the proper second, and Fred will know learn how 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 making an attempt to be taught as a lot as I can.”
Will it’s a tricky problem?
“The hardest of my profession. Having him as a teammate is a good motivation—not solely to be taught, as I stated, but additionally 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?
“We’ve got a really related driving fashion, which is nice as a result of we’ll want the identical issues from the automotive. However when it comes to 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 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 absolute 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 annoyed 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, Pink Bull, and Mercedes stand.”
What does it take to win the championship?
“In comparison with final yr, we should be extra constant. We have to enhance in small particulars—not a lot in driving however in every part round it, communication with engineers, and the little issues that make a distinction. And we will’t afford to go away too many factors on the desk.”
In case you’re constantly preventing 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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