In a determined display of commitment amidst Ferrari’s tumultuous 2023 season, Charles Leclerc remains poised and hopeful for a better future with the Scuderia. Even as discussions regarding a massive $204,000,000 contract renewal continue to circulate. Recent events have left a dark cloud hovering over the Scuderia Ferrari, evident in their disappointing performance at the Dutch Grand Prix. The Maranello-based team and Charles Leclerc found themselves grappling with not only unfavorable weather conditions but a series of mishaps that saw Leclerc retiring early from the race. A consequence of an ill-prepared pit stop strategy and a damaged car floor.
In a recent interview with @beinsports_FR, Charles Leclerc candidly voiced his current experiences with Ferrari, describing the present situation as “a little complicated.” The 2023 Formula 1 season has visibly been strenuous for Ferrari, shadowing the dreams and expectations of both the team back in Maranello and Tifosi worldwide.
Q: 4 years later at ferrari, are you still living your childhood dream?
🆑 to @beinsports_FR: “of course. then you don't have to hide. it’s a situation that is a little complicated.
the results are not necessarily where we would like them to be on ferrari’s side.” pic.twitter.com/wI1Gjfo9l3
— leclerc data (@leclercdata) September 13, 2023
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The Monegasque, questioned about his “dream” with Ferrari and his prospects, said, “Of course, then you don’t have to hide. It’s a situation that is a little complicated. The results are not necessarily where we would like them to be on Ferrari’s side.” His dedication mirrored his childhood dream, a vision to win the world championship for Ferrari, even as they navigate through a “complicated” situation.
Carlos Sainz echoed Leclerc’s sentiment, spotlighting the numerous upgrades Ferrari has integrated this season, aimed to narrow down the gap with frontrunners and re-establish itself as a formidable contender. Displaying a robust belief in the team’s potential, Sainz expressed his conviction in Ferrari’s ability to clinch the second position in the championship, overtaking giants like Aston Martin and Mercedes.
As Ferrari continues to wrestle with the challenges this season has thrown, both Leclerc and Sainz stand as pillars of hope. They signify an unwavering spirit of teamwork and an earnest pursuit of excellence.
In an environment mired in uncertainty and intense competition, the promising narrative of a redeemer takes shape as Ferrari heads to the Singapore Grand Prix. The epicenter of hopes and dreams, the Marina Bay Street Circuit, stands redesigned, holding the promise of new beginnings and a playground for the display of exceptional skill and strategy.
Charles Leclerc eyes redemption at revamped Marina Bay circuit
As Charles Leclerc gears up for the latest edition of the Singapore Grand Prix, a glimmer of hope breaks through Ferrari’s challenging season; a revamped Marina Bay Street Circuit that leans in favor of the Monégasque speed maestro renowned for his outstanding one-lap pace. Leclerc, with two consecutive poles here in the previous seasons, knows the circuit like the back of his hand. Yet victory has eluded him, falling second to fierce competitors—once to his then-teammate Sebastian Vettel in 2019 and a heart-wrenching setback in 2022 when Sergio Perez overtook him even before the first lap could complete.
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Now, as sector three undergoes a transformation, discarding corners 16 to 19 to introduce a straight 400m patch that promises riveting late-race overtakes, Leclerc is eager to exploit this to his advantage. Sharing his enthusiasm on the Singapore GP Instagram post, he noted, “The new layout should be a bit easier to overtake, which is an exciting chance for racing.” In a season weighed down by disappointments despite recent podium finishes, Leclerc unflinchingly carries the rich legacy of Ferrari, rallying to steer the iconic team back to its glory days. “It’s our duty to make it back to the top,” he expressed to Ferrari’s in-house media, vocalizing the internal sentiment, resonating strongly as ever.
The statistics paint a vivid picture. While the 25-year-old has clinched 20 poles and five wins, his rival Max Verstappen’s resume boasts a monumental 47 wins and 28 poles, embodying an era of Red Bull dominance that has seen them claim victory in all 14 Grand Prix this year. Even Ferrari’s team boss Fred Vasseur couldn’t withhold admiration for Verstappen’s impeccable two-year streak devoid of mistakes, a testament to the flying Dutchman’s supremacy on the track.
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However, as the F1 entourage descends upon the tight and twisting turns of Singapore, where overtaking is notoriously hard and pole positions transpire into victories in a majority of cases, a sense of anticipation builds up. Leclerc’s affinity for the circuit has not escaped Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. He conceded, “If they are faster in qualifying, then it could become a problem for us because overtaking in Singapore is very difficult.” Acknowledging Leclerc’s expertise around Marina Bay, Marko held onto optimism, confident in the package Red Bull is bringing to Singapore.