The start of the 2022 season promised the start of a new rivalry in the world of Formula 1. However, the hype and the competition only lasted for the first three races as Charles Leclerc kept sliding further away from the challenge of keeping up with Max Verstappen in the championship fight. The Ferrari man had various external factors hampering his championship challenge. However, according to the host of the popular Podcast, there is one internal factor that is holding the Monegasque back.
The host of the Red Flags podcast discussed Leclerc’s first lap DNF in Australia. According to the hosts, apart from Leclerc’s careless driving, it was also because of his continued frustrations with the team. In fact, it is the emotional aspect, which Leclerc tries to control, that is the key factor keeping him a step behind Verstappen.
The host said, “I think Charles has been done dirty. I think he has had a really tough string of luck. But I really think he’s kind of.. I’m not liking what I’m seeing from him.”
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After exhausting future options for Leclerc, the host continued his criticism. “You are kind of pissing in the one place where you actually have a chance. I think what happens is Charles Leclerc sometimes, we’ve seen this before, is that he drives on tilt. He’s not where he’s supposed to be, so he drives emotionally.”
“You are fast over one lap but there are these moments where I feel like you (Charles Leclerc) drive emotionally,” he concluded.
Read More: Charles Leclerc Urged to Channelize Inner Michael Schumacher to Stabilize Fumbling Ferrari
The host of the podcast shared his scathing opinion on Leclerc’s public outbursts. However, this is not the general perception, and many believe the problem lies within Ferrari.
Formula E racer believes its Ferrari’s fault and not Charles Leclerc’s emotions
Sam Bird, a seasoned Formula E racer, believes Leclerc has immense quality behind a single-seater. However, the Monegasque hasn’t been able to showcase his talents because of Ferrari’s shortcomings.
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Speaking on the Chequered Flag podcast, he said, “I mean, he’s one of the best drivers on the grid. He would dearly love for Ferrari to come out of the traps next year with a car that can fight Max Verstappen because Charles Leclerc will fancy himself against Max Verstappen.”
“He will be going into the winter thinking, ‘I didn’t have the car, they didn’t give me the car, and if they give me the car, I’ll fight this guy, and we’ll go head to head.”
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Whether it’s the car or the man, we will not know until both are put to the ultimate test with all the necessary tools. All Tifosi will impatiently wait to see if Ferrari can get their car to a level where this theory can be put to test.