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 common smart smile—keen to start out 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 day by day newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Wanting again eventually season, factors had 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 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 imagine so. This season might be very tight, with many title contenders. However I imagine in myself and my skill to get it completed.”
Are you shocked by the overwhelming enthusiasm surrounding Ferrari this yr?
“No. Ferrari has all the time had large consideration, however with Lewis, every little 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 tips on how to 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 invaluable for me to research 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 troublesome problem?
“The hardest of my profession. Having him as a teammate is a good motivation—not solely to study, 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 wish to be his age. However I don’t assume so—he seems in nice form and is clearly very motivated.”
In what methods are you related, and in what methods are you totally different?
“We now have a really related driving fashion, which is nice as a result of we’ll want the identical issues from the automobile. However when it comes to trend, we’re utterly 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 completed that.”
How’s the chess going?
“We performed three video games on Tuesday—he received two, I received one. Total, he’s forward three to 2, however I’ll catch up.”
Would you say the workforce is in the very best place?
“That is one of the best mindset I’ve seen since I’ve been right here. It’s laborious 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, Pink Bull, and Mercedes stand.”
What does it take to win the championship?
“In comparison with final yr, we should be extra constant. We have to enhance in small particulars—not a lot in driving however in every little thing round it, communication with engineers, and the little issues that make a distinction. And we will’t afford to depart too many factors on the desk.”
In the event you’re persistently combating for the title as hoped, do you concern the stress?
“I’ll have the ability to say for positive after I’m in that scenario, however I really feel prepared.”
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