Charles Leclerc Explains Why He Doesn’t Put Lewis Hamilton on Pedestal for F1 Comparisons

Charles Leclerc is one of the best drivers in Formula One right now, if not the best. He has put in some outstanding performances since his arrival in the sport.

He has won 2 races and claimed 9 pole positions in his career so far. Leclerc is currently driving for Scuderia Ferrari since the beginning of 2019.

Leclerc is currently not challenging for the world championship. As Ferrari is not a championship-winning car and he is not winning right now.

The Monegasque driver showed his true potential in 2020 when Ferrari was way behind the pace. He dragged his Ferrari to the upper ends of the grid frequently, when his teammate Sebastian Vettel was struggling to get in Q3.

In 2021, Charles has managed back-to-back pole positions in Baku and Monaco in a car that is clearly the third or fourth fastest car on the grid. Many people consider him to be the same level as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.

Watch Story: Biggest Crashes From 2020 Featuring Leclerc, Vettel & Grosjean

I just try to focus on being the best version of myself: Charles Leclerc

In an exclusive interview with Le’quipe, when asked if he is at the level of Hamilton, Charles Leclerc denied being at the same level as the championship contenders and stated that he is just focused on himself.

“I don’t think about it at all. Lewis has done so much for this sport. I can’t compare myself to him. He achieved so much success…” said Charles Leclerc. He also stated that he is just focusing on himself.

“I just try to focus on being the best version of myself. I don’t look at others, to be honest,” said Leclerc. (Quotes translated from French using Google)

He might not agree that he is at the same level as Hamilton, but his performances have been top drawer and can be compared to the best.

Read more: Why Do Mercedes Dominate F1?

Can Leclerc and Ferrari can get back to the top in 2022?

Since the beginning of 2020, Ferrari have been struggling in Formula One. Leclerc has been outperforming the car to hide its lack of pace. In 2021, they have built a more competitive car but they are still lagging behind Mercedes and Red Bull.

Next season, F1 is bringing significant regulation changes to bunch up the field. This could prove to be an enormous opportunity for Ferrari and Leclerc if they want to mount a championship challenge and get back on top.

What do you think? Is Leclerc at the same level as Hamilton. Comment below to let us know.