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 smart smile—keen to start out the Components 1 season and restore some stability 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 ultimately season, factors have been misplaced after the event section 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 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 automobile is persistently aggressive, I imagine so. This season can be very tight, with many title contenders. However I imagine in myself and my capability to get it carried out.”
Are you stunned by the overwhelming enthusiasm surrounding Ferrari this yr?
“No. Ferrari has all the time had large consideration, however with Lewis, every thing has exploded—it’s regular. It was incredible 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 hold feelings on the proper degree. 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 beneficial 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 attempting to study as a lot as I can.”
Will it’s a troublesome problem?
“The hardest of my profession. Having him as a teammate is a superb motivation—not solely to study, as I mentioned, 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 wish to be his age. However I don’t assume so—he appears in nice form and is clearly very motivated.”
In what methods are you related, and in what methods are you totally different?
“We have now a really related driving fashion, which is nice as a result of we’ll want the identical issues from the automobile. However by way of trend, we’re fully 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 all the time 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 group is in the absolute best place?
“That is one of the best mindset I’ve seen since I’ve been right here. It’s onerous 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 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.”
If you happen to’re persistently preventing for the title as hoped, do you concern the stress?
“I’ll be capable to say for positive after I’m in that scenario, however I really feel prepared.”
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