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 begin 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.
Trying again ultimately 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 at the beginning, however general, the season was wonderful.”
To be direct: will you be preventing for the title?
“It’s clearly too early to say, but when the automobile is constantly aggressive, I consider so. This season might be very tight, with many title contenders. However I consider in myself and my means to get it achieved.”
Are you shocked by the overwhelming enthusiasm surrounding Ferrari this yr?
“No. Ferrari has at all times had huge consideration, however with Lewis, all the things has exploded—it’s regular. It was improbable to see all that keenness at Fiorano, and we take it as a constructive. Lewis arrived on the proper second, and Fred will know how you can 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 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 probably the most profitable driver in historical past, so in fact, 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 suppose so—he appears in nice form and is clearly very motivated.”
In what methods are you comparable, and in what methods are you completely different?
“We now have a really comparable 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 completely 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 achieved 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 crew is in the absolute best place?
“That is the most effective 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 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 yr, we have to be extra constant. We have to enhance in small particulars—not a lot in driving however in all the things 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.”
If you happen to’re constantly preventing for the title as hoped, do you worry the stress?
“I’ll have the ability to say for certain once I’m in that state of affairs, however I really feel prepared.”
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