The little prince arrives on a track he loves

In the F1 paddock, one name is on everyone’s lips, Charles Leclerc. The Monégasque continues to impress even the most jaded observers, finishing in the points four times in the last five races.

The performance, aboard a Sauber admittedly making clear progress, is all the more impressive given that it took place on circuits that either did not match the technical package’s qualities or the driver’s personal preference.

In Austria, things are quite different as the rookie directly says, “It’s a track I love. It’s one of my favorites of the season along with Monaco. It has always worked well for me here.” Last year, he scored pole position and won the main race in F2, a performance he also achieved the previous year in GP3.

He can only hope to continue this momentum: « We’re going to try to make it to Q3 again. It would be a miracle once more, but we’re going to try to make it happen that way. » But his ambition obviously doesn’t stop on Saturday, and he’s aiming for a position in the top 10 again by the end of the race on Sunday: « More points! That’s clearly the goal for the weekend. It’s becoming more and more realistic. Additionally, on paper, it’s a pretty good track for us. » This level of performance requires a very well-balanced car, one that meets the driver’s desires and gives him full confidence.

Such a succession of results cannot help but attract attention, and the rumors of a direct move to Ferrari as early as next season are becoming more and more insistent: « I don’t think about it too much but it is certainly difficult. I see the rumors, which makes me very happy. It’s been a dream since I was little to drive for Ferrari. If one day it were to come true, that would be just incredible. But for now, I am focusing on this season and trying not to get distracted by what might potentially happen next year. »

A few minutes later, Kimi Räikkönen was questioned on the same subject and the Finn did not lose his usual wit: “I believe that back in 2007, I was saying I would finish at Ferrari. Obviously, at one point, it didn’t look like this but now it seems to be heading that way again. You never know what will happen. As usual, there are many words but I don’t necessarily want to comment on them. We will see what will happen, me included.”

If we don’t learn more in the short term, another great performance by Charles Leclerc will only help fuel the rumor mill and particularly defend his position with the Scuderia’s management.

From our special correspondent in Austria