Leclerc "feels ready" to be F1 title contender
Charles Leclerc believes he is ready to fight for the Formula 1 title but “shouldn’t be in the seat” at Ferrari if he did not feel that way.
Leclerc claimed his first F1 victory in last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix and was praised by Mercedes’ five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton after the race for his performances against Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari.
Victory moved Leclerc to just 12 points behind Vettel in the championship, although the Ferrari drivers are only fourth and fifth after a difficult season for the team.
Leclerc has established himself well inside the team up against four-time world champion Vettel, though, claiming Ferrari’s first win of the season, matching Vettel for podiums and claiming three poles to the German’s one.
“I think I’ve been in better form in qualifying since six races [ago],” said Leclerc. “I’ve changed my approach a little bit.
“In the race, it’s been a bit of a different story. I’ve been struggling a little bit in the two previous races but I’ve changed and it seems to pay off [at Spa] so that’s great.
“If I feel like I’m ready to be challenging for world titles, at the end I have the car and team for it.
“We obviously need to work because we are struggling a bit compared to Mercedes but on my side, yes, I’ve got a lot to learn, that’s for sure, but I feel ready.
“You always need to feel ready, once you are in that position, otherwise I shouldn’t be in the seat that I am in today.”
Leclerc joined Ferrari for 2019 after just one season in F1 racing for its customer team Sauber.
The 21-year-old is likely to receive a raucous reception at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix after ending the team’s 2019 win drought.
“Last year, coming to Monza was one of the best experiences in my life,” said Leclerc. “The support I had even though I was not a Ferrari driver was unbelievable so I can’t imagine now.
“I just won my first race in F1, so I’m pretty sure the welcome will be great.
“It was last year but probably even more now: firstly driving for Ferrari and secondly because I just had my first win in F1. I’m really looking forward to arriving in Italy.”
Charles Leclerc, Sauber
Photo by: Manuel Goria / Sutton Images
Share Or Save This Story
Alfa Romeo must do better in "chaotic" races - Vasseur
Honda: Verstappen relationship 'like a young Senna'
Key team personnel shouldn't be F1 boss - Ferrari
How British GP win might help Charles Leclerc “massively” in F1 2026
Why Charles Leclerc’s battle of the brakes has left him trailing Lewis Hamilton
How Charles Leclerc has changed his steering wheel software for the first time since joining Ferrari
Charles Leclerc and Pecco Bagnaia: From kings to princes
Sainz blasts "most unfair penalty ever", seeks stewards' explanation
Calado: "Difficult" for WEC Hypercar newcomers "to win straight off"
Five things to look out for at the F1 Belgian GP
Aprilia moves up one level in MotoGP concessions; Ducati and Honda move down
Gabriel Bortoleto: F1 hasn't lost its 'magic'; drivers need to "turn the page" on 2026 complaints
Top 10 F1 drivers of the 2010s
Top 10 F1 drivers of the 2010s
Two (and a bit) years on: Red Bull's 2024 political ructions have had the opposite effect
Cars, stars, and the shootout winners from the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed
Why Charles Leclerc’s battle of the brakes has left him trailing Lewis Hamilton
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments