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 typical smart smile—keen to start out the System 1 season and restore some stability throughout 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 ultimately season, factors have 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 initially, however total, the season was wonderful.”
To be direct: will you be combating for the title?
“It’s clearly too early to say, but when the automobile is constantly aggressive, I consider so. This season will likely be very tight, with many title contenders. However I consider in myself and my capability to get it carried out.”
Are you stunned by the overwhelming enthusiasm surrounding Ferrari this 12 months?
“No. Ferrari has at all times had large consideration, however with Lewis, every part has exploded—it’s regular. It was improbable to see all that zeal at Fiorano, and we take it as a optimistic. Lewis arrived on the proper second, and Fred will know tips on how to preserve 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 invaluable 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 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 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 prefer 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 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 automobile. 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 received two, I received one. General, he’s forward three to 2, however I’ll catch up.”
Would you say the crew is in the absolute best place?
“That is the perfect 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 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, 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 part 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.”
When you’re constantly combating for the title as hoped, do you worry the strain?
“I’ll be capable to say for certain after I’m in that scenario, however I really feel prepared.”
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