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 clever smile—keen to start out the System 1 season and restore some steadiness inside the storage and the headlines. Right here is the Monegasque driver’s newest interview for the Italian every day newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Wanting 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 initially, 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 automotive is persistently aggressive, I imagine so. This season will likely be very tight, with many title contenders. However I imagine in myself and my capacity to get it performed.”
Are you shocked by the overwhelming enthusiasm surrounding Ferrari this yr?
“No. Ferrari has all the time had large consideration, however with Lewis, all the pieces 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 how you can preserve 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 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 in fact, I’m making an attempt to study as a lot as I can.”
Will 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 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?
“We’ve got a really related driving model, which is nice as a result of we’ll want the identical issues from the automotive. However by way of style, we’re fully 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 all the time performed 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 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 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, Purple Bull, and Mercedes stand.”
What does it take to win the championship?
“In comparison with final yr, we must be extra constant. We have to enhance in small particulars—not a lot in driving however in all the pieces 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 preventing for the title as hoped, do you worry the strain?
“I’ll have the ability to say for certain after I’m in that scenario, however I really feel prepared.”
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