‘Under a Bit of Pressure’- Charles Leclerc Mentally Tired After Difficult 2020 F1 Season

The FIA did a commendable job in putting together an almost full calendar for the 2020 F1 season. Though it was also arguably one of the more challenging ones in recent memory. To race in 17 Grands Prix in the space of 5 and a half months was tough for Charles Leclerc & Co.

Ferrari’s issues escalated the strain on the Monegasque even further. Not only did he have to contend with consecutive race weekends but also the lackluster SF1000. Hence, spending time away from home did not have a lot of silver lining for him.

“On my side, physically, surely race after the race you feel a bit tired, but already from the Monday, I was feeling ready to get in the car again. But I think it’s more mentally where race after the race you want to achieve better,” said Leclerc.

“You are also under a bit of pressure too, and so mentally it gets tiring at the end of the season to also spend quite a lot of time away from home. So yes, on my side it’s more mentally that it is difficult.”

But the situation of the drivers is just a walk in the park compared to that of the crew members. For example – those concerned with the logistics had to arrive at the circuit earlier than drivers to set their motorhomes and could leave only after dislodging it.

“It is maybe more difficult for the mechanics who are coming to the track earlier than we do, and leave the track a lot later than we do. So, yes, it was a tiring season,” the former Alfa Romeo driver acknowledged.

2021 might be even more tiring for Charles Leclerc

If he thinks that 2020 was tough, then he should wait for what the 2021 F1 season has to offer. The upcoming season will witness a record 23 GPs, including 3 triple-headers.

And to compound his miseries further, Ferrari will still be behind the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes. So, not only will he not contend for the championship, but also a race victory may be tough to come by.

Plus, new teammate Carlos Sainz will be challenging his authority for the #1 status in the team. So, he should recharge his batteries while he still can and brace himself for the new season.