For too a few years, Ferrari has watched others triumph in Components 1, like a fallen noble observing from afar the lights of a ball to which it’s now not invited. A proven fact that hurts a couple of would possibly assume. The 2024 Components 1 season noticed the Prancing Horse return to competition for a title. The constructors’ championship was fought till the ultimate race in Abu Dhabi, although the trophy now adorns the show case in Woking. Irrespective of; there’s at all times subsequent time. Dwelling on the topic serves no objective anymore. Charles Leclerc suffered drastically from this defeat because the Monegasque driver believed in it like by no means earlier than.
Simply recall his response on the ultimate group radio after crossing the end line of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in third place. The results of a surprising comeback, which, as we all know, was not sufficient as a consequence of Lando Norris’s victory. The Monegasque pounded his fists on the steering wheel all through the in-lap. His voice was choked with the despair of somebody who refused to simply accept a bitter outcome. Enduring defeat is a part of the sport. True. However when the winner is somebody you can have overwhelmed, swallowing yet one more bitter tablet isn’t really easy.
In 2025, Charles Leclerc will face his seventh Components 1 season. He has achieved quite a few pole positions, 26, to be precise. The victories, nevertheless, are “solely” eight, contemplating that he has at all times pushed a automotive incapable of constantly combating for wins all through the championship. Marrying Ferrari’s trigger was by no means easy, and he knew this effectively when he signed the contract and its subsequent renewals. His need to win alongside the Maranello group stays intact, and the objective for the upcoming season is obvious: to complete forward of everybody and grow to be world champion with the Prancing Horse.
Charles Leclerc may have Lewis Hamilton by his aspect beginning with the 2025 Components 1 season. A lot has been mentioned concerning the hypothetical relationship between the 2. Ferrari group principal Frederic Vasseur believes he can handle the well-known “two roosters within the henhouse,” simply as he did with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. Nonetheless, the scenario is barely completely different. No offense to Carlos Sainz, however the Briton is in a league of his personal. We’re speaking a couple of seven-time Components 1 world champion who has not come to loosen up however to win, or no less than that’s his objective. It’s going to due to this fact be fascinating to see how this relationship is managed.
Particularly if Mission 677, anticipated to be named SF-25, seems to be a automotive able to acting at its finest and giving Ferrari’s drivers the prospect to battle for each Components 1 world titles. Charles Leclerc is pure expertise, identical to Lewis Hamilton. And that is exactly the issue that might create issues. Each wish to win and can do no matter it takes to remain forward of the opposite always. Basically, reflecting on Lewis Hamilton’s stellar profession, one reality stands out: his constantly truthful conduct, in distinction to different champions.
Sure, as a result of unsportsmanlike conduct or driving past the bounds has by no means been a part of his repertoire. This can be a trait price emphasizing. On this respect, Max Verstappen is completely completely different. Suppose again to 2021 when, in his battle with Lewis Hamilton, he adopted an aggressive strategy as soon as he took the lead within the drivers’ standings, with maneuvers aimed toward contact. Charles Leclerc, too, has skilled this strategy and has not too long ago mirrored on the topic, contemplating a hypothetical future the place he would possibly discover himself contending for a championship.
Racing by Max Verstappen’s guidelines isn’t precisely Charles Leclerc’s fashion. Nonetheless, he declares himself able to adapt strategically. One thing akin to what Max Verstappen did with Lando Norris when the Briton was combating for the drivers’ championship. Charles Leclerc’s mentality is prepared for a change as a result of, whereas equity should prevail, there are occasions when aggressiveness and a success-driven strategy could make the distinction. The Monegasque driver is hard. He is aware of find out how to battle fiercely and may’t wait to take action with anybody, supplied Ferrari offers him the prospect.
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