Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc was interviewed by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, which marks the first of the last nine races this season. Here is Charles’ interview for Corriere della Sera in full:
You went on vacation with your old friends. Money and success change people, how do you stay yourself?
Charles Leclerc: “It comes naturally to me, we grew up together and there is no reason to drift apart. The holidays have just changed a little…”
How did the holidays change?
Charles Leclerc: “Years ago we used to go to a studio flat in Isola 2000 in the mountains. There was a sofa bed, we put other mattresses on the floor, so eight people slept on it.”
Now you are sailing on a 20-meter yacht.
Charles Leclerc: “Already. But we keep putting mattresses on the floor because the boat doesn’t have enough beds for everyone.”
Do you feel free at the sea?
Charles Leclerc: “Totally. I can detach myself from racing. The same happens to me with music.”
Can you stay away from your phone?
Charles Leclerc: “The first week is the hardest. I already missed Formula 1. Then you get into the rhythm.”
What is happiness for you?
Charles Leclerc: “See happy people around me. The moments of simplicity with friends and with family.”
How much has Charles changed in 2019 compared to 2022?
Charles Leclerc: “Very, very much. More as a driver than as a man. I am more experienced. I remember that I feared the race because I knew I was not good at managing the tyres, now it has become one of my strengths!”
Be honest, do you still believe in this title?
Charles Leclerc: “Absolutely yes. Until the end. My mentality has not changed, always giving everything. I believe in it because we have a car capable of winning anywhere, it’s up to us to get the most out of it.”
Three victories this year. Bahrain, Australia and Austria, which one was the best?
Charles Leclerc: “Bahrain. The first race of the season. It was not a surprise but a liberation.”
The worst race?
Charles Leclerc: “Monte Carlo. It’s hard to accept starting from pole and finishing fourth. I also put my mistake in France here..”
Where do you need to improve?
Charles Leclerc: “On the details, to be even more complete.”
And where does the team need to improve? On strategies?
Charles Leclerc: “I don’t want to point the finger at a single thing. We have to grow, analyse the things that are wrong and overcome them.”
With Mattia Binotto and Carlos Sainz you took a selfie a few days ago in Maranello. The three of you smiling with the Ferrari employees. What does that photo represent?
Charles Leclerc: “The Ferrari family. The last time we attended such an event in the company was before Covid. I remember. The first time, I was very nervous when I learned that I would have to speak on stage in front of a thousand people. It was my first year in Ferrari. Now I am more relaxed, I recognize more faces.”
What did you say this time?
Charles Leclerc: “What I said to them was: let’s believe it until the end. Furthermore, I thanked them for their efforts and sacrifices.”
What kind of boss is Mattia?
Charles Leclerc: “Very calm, in the most difficult moments his coldness of mind is of great help.”
But at Silverstone as he pointed his finger at you, he didn’t seem so calm.
Charles Leclerc: “Sometimes it happens, it happens to everyone.”
What relationship do you have with Ferrari president John Elkann?
Charles Leclerc: “John calls, asks how the races went, he is pleased.”
For Max Verstappen it is better to fight against you than against Lewis Hamilton. Does he only say that because he has an 80-point lead?
Charles Leclerc (laughs): “I like to face Max, we have a similar level of aggression. We have fun, with respect. I’m not saying that last year there was no respect between Max and Lewis, but it seemed like a different battle than ours. But if we were to get to the end of the championship very close as points, the situation would be much more tense than now.”
What quality would you steal from Verstappen?
Charles Leclerc: “None. I am focused on myself.”
Is Carlos Sainz the strongest partner you have ever had?
Charles Leclerc: “Among the strongest. Seb had enormous experience, and if I became the driver I am, it is also thanks to what Seb taught me.”
If you could challenge a great from the past, who would you choose?
Charles Leclerc: “Senna, my idol since childhood. But I don’t know which cars to race with, those of him or of my era?”
What book are you reading?
Charles Leclerc: “Open, by Agassi. I’m halfway through, I read a lot!”
Finish the sentence: Charles Leclerc wants to be remembered…
Charles Leclerc: “As Ferrari world champion”.
Maybe more than one title?
Charles Leclerc: “Let’s think about winning one first, that‘s better.”
You are living with your girlfriend Charlotte, do you think about starting a family?
Charles Leclerc: “I’m happy with her, but it’s a bit early. I am 24 years old and she is 22.”
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Your mother Pascale, raised three boys, what is she like?
Charles Leclerc: “She is a perfect mother, and we take such good care of her. Present but discreet’.
Do you talk to each other often?
Charles Leclerc: “Yes, but I’m a disaster with the phone, I answer it once in 10 times.”
Do you believe in God?
Charles Leclerc: “Believer, not practicing.”
What teachings did your father leave you?
Charles Leclerc: “Discipline, humility, sacrifices. Whether it is the happiest or the saddest period, never change the way you face life.”
Do you see yourself in show business after F1?
Charles Leclerc: “More in fashion. I have a lot of friends in the industry, it’s my favorite environment. I also talk about fashion with Elkann!”
What angers you the most?
Charles Leclerc: “My mistakes.”
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