Ferrari Boss Binotto Explains the ‘Mentality’ That Charles Leclerc and Michael Schumacher Share

Charles Leclerc finished 2 years with Ferrari at the end of 2020. It was a tough season for the team; however, the Monegasque was satisfied with his performance. Ferrari Boss, Mattia Binotto, believes Charles Leclerc will carry the bright torch that was once held by Michael Schumacher.

While in conversation with F1’s official podcast Beyond The Grid, Binotto looked back at the time when Schumacher joined Ferrari in 1996 and drew parallels between the German and the Monegasque.

He said, “I think he is there to win. And when he puts his helmet on, he is on the track as a racer – second place is never satisfactory for him, as it wasn’t for Michael.

“I think today we’ve got Charles [Leclerc] who is… not as experienced as Michael and is not a world champion while Michael was, but I think that we’ve got a clear leader on track, as driver, and that’s important as well.”

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Binotto on the talent that Charles Leclerc boasts of

Charles Leclerc finished the 2020 season with 98 points in the P8 position. He overshadowed the former champion and teammate, Sebastian Vettel, with 65 points. Binotto acknowledged that Leclerc is a talented driver.

He also said, “He’s fast, he’s capable of overtaking, he’s fantastic in protecting the position. I think he’s got the mentality in which winning is a clear objective for him and I think that what is pushing him in all his actions is that he will always try to win.”

With just over 2 years in Ferrari, Charles Leclerc is fast developing as a leader. Ferrari endured a winless season after 2016, Binotto pointed out that the situation was alike before the Schumacher era began.

Schumacher arrived at Ferrari at the back of 2 championship titles. He was already experienced and a proven leader when he joined the Maranello-based outfit. Leclerc is well on the path to being Ferrari’s future leader. Do you reckon the Monegasque will emerge as Ferrari’s next champion?