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 standard sensible smile—keen to begin 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 every day newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Trying again eventually season, factors had 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 initially, however general, the season was wonderful.”
To be direct: will you be combating for the title?
“It’s clearly too early to say, but when the automotive is constantly aggressive, I imagine so. This season can be very tight, with many title contenders. However I imagine in myself and my capacity to get it performed.”
Are you stunned by the overwhelming enthusiasm surrounding Ferrari this yr?
“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 keenness at Fiorano, and we take it as a constructive. Lewis arrived on the proper second, and Fred will know tips on how to maintain 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 useful 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 after all, I’m attempting to be taught as a lot as I can.”
Will it’s a tricky problem?
“The hardest of my profession. Having him as a teammate is a superb motivation—not solely to be taught, as I stated, 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 prefer to be his age. However I don’t assume so—he appears to be like in nice form and is clearly very motivated.”
In what methods are you comparable, and in what methods are you totally different?
“We’ve got a really comparable driving type, which is nice as a result of we’ll want the identical issues from the automotive. However when it comes to 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, after all. Teammates push one another to do higher—I’ve at all times performed 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 very best place?
“That is one of the 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 yr, we have to 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 are able to’t afford to depart too many factors on the desk.”
In case you’re constantly combating for the title as hoped, do you concern the stress?
“I’ll be capable to say for positive once I’m in that scenario, however I really feel prepared.”
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