Leclerc Trying to Stay Grounded after High Praise From F1 Champions

Charles Leclerc was regarded highly after impressive performances in Formula 2 the previous season, with that impressing the Ferrari academy enough to place him on the driver line-up of their ‘development’ team, Sauber F1.

And the Monegasque youngster has not disappointed, outpacing teammate Ericsson in several races, while finishing in the points in Spain and Azerbaijan to give Sauber some hope of not finishing last in the constructors’ championship.

Last weekend, prior to his home Grand Prix in Monaco, he appeared alongside four-time F1 champions, Sebastien Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. When asked about their thoughts on Leclerc, Vettel said that he saw him as a future Ferrari driver while Hamilton said he could do great things.

2016 champion, Nico Rosberg had even gone as far to say that he could win the F1 World Championship some day. Such high praise is sure to generate pressure on a young driver but Leclerc was very clear with what he would like to do.

“It feels amazing. To have these four drivers speak of me that way, saying positive things, is crazy. It’s always special to hear these things.”

“On the other hand I try not to listen to it too much, focus on the job. I still have a lot I can improve on. When I’m out of the car, I have very big respect for them and it’s an honour to hear that.”

“When I’m in the car, when I have the helmet on, I don’t think about anyone. These things disappear and the drivers that are there are just any drivers”, said Leclerc.

Sauber F1 team principal, Frederic Vasseur was also happy with the youngster’s attitude. He said, “He is doing a very good start of the season, but it very difficult also to compare from 2018 to 2007. He is very focused on the next events and he avoids being focused on the future and that is a good thing.”

Leclerc’s home race ended in heartbreak as a failed brake caused him to crash into the Toro Rosso of Brendon Hartley, which ended both of their races. He had been on a run of consecutive points-scoring finishes but in Spain and Azerbaijan prior to Monaco.