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 ordinary sensible smile—keen to begin the Method 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 ultimately season, factors had been misplaced after the event section 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 in the beginning, however total, the season was glorious.”
To be direct: will you be combating for the title?
“It’s clearly too early to say, but when the automobile is persistently aggressive, I consider so. This season shall be very tight, with many title contenders. However I consider in myself and my skill to get it achieved.”
Are you shocked by the overwhelming enthusiasm surrounding Ferrari this 12 months?
“No. Ferrari has all the time had huge consideration, however with Lewis, every thing has exploded—it’s regular. It was implausible to see all that zeal at Fiorano, and we take it as a constructive. Lewis arrived on the proper second, and Fred will know methods 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 beneficial 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 after all, 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 good motivation—not solely to study, 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 suppose so—he seems in nice form and is clearly very motivated.”
In what methods are you comparable, and in what methods are you totally different?
“We have now a really comparable driving type, which is nice as a result of we’ll want the identical issues from the automobile. However by way of vogue, 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 all the time achieved 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 staff is in the absolute best place?
“That is the very best 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 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, Purple 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 thing 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 persistently combating for the title as hoped, do you concern the strain?
“I’ll be capable of say for certain after I’m in that state of affairs, however I really feel prepared.”
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