Charles Leclerc: « I learned a lot from Seb »

The arrival of the young Monégasque at Ferrari in 2019 has been a real success so far. His debut was so promising that it disrupted the hierarchy within the team, with Leclerc gradually outshining the four-time German world champion, Sebastian Vettel. This rivalry was noticeable with several famous clashes on the track. However, their relationship as teammates was still effective, and the two men managed to work well together during their two seasons at the Scuderia.

During an interview for motorsport.com, Charles Leclerc expressed himself about his relationship with Sebastian Vettel, not failing to underline the qualities of this great driver.

« Starting from his experience, in certain situations, he had great analytical skills, and I think I learned a lot from Seb in this regard,” Leclerc explained.

« I realized that the importance he placed on certain details ultimately made a big difference on the track. It was very interesting for me to evaluate this. Then, Seb is a very good person, who has always struck me with his frankness.

« It was very interesting for me »

From now on, Sebastian Vettel is driving for the new Aston Martin team. After a strange 2020 season between Ferrari and the German driver, the latter is now evolving for Laurence Stroll’s team, which showed great, albeit controversial, progress last year under the name Racing Point. Therefore, this team may have the weapons to surpass Ferrari again this year. This is why Charles Leclerc was asked how he would feel if he were overtaken by Vettel this year, following the way he beat him in 2020.

I do not think that if such a situation occurs, I will think: “Ah, it was my teammate and I beat him and now he is ahead of me”. When I lower my visor, I have no room for these thoughts. I focus on myself, on the car, and on the commitment that awaits me. If Seb passes me, I will immediately try to regain my position. I do not think I will have any other thoughts in my mind at that moment.

Patience is the key.

Vettel’s departure comes at a critical moment for the Italian team, in full reconstruction. Ferrari knows that the road to reclaim their crown is still long, requiring a lot of mental resources from team members, especially Charles Leclerc. Indeed, after a thunderous 2019 season marked by two victories and seven pole positions, it’s been a void for the young Scuderia driver, caused by the lack of performance of his car, apart from two surprising podium finishes in 2020 due to his undeniable talent.

« One must have patience, and it’s a gift I have developed along the way,” declared Charles Leclerc. « In fact, years ago, I didn’t have much of it, or very little.”

« When you have a delay caused by technical reasons, we know that in Formula 1, it takes time to be able to reset it. So during this time, you must be as calm as possible, also because getting angry and being impatient is not constructive. »

« I think I have matured from that point of view. But obviously, I can’t wait to start winning races again. A driver’s goal is always the same. »

« I can’t wait to start winning races again »

It remains to be seen whether the mythical Italian team, Ferrari, will be able to bounce back and in what timeframe. Charles Leclerc seems to be well settled within this team, having signed a long-term contract with Ferrari in 2019 linking him to the team until the end of the 2022 season. Now paired with Carlos Sainz Jr as his teammate, the two drivers will have to work tirelessly to restore the prestige that Ferrari has always enjoyed.