Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc interview for Italian newspaper La Stampa on Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris, rituals & much more:
What do you admire about Carlos Sainz?
Charles Leclerc: “He has impressive speed. He’s going to get stronger and stronger as he gets more confident with the car. From a personal point of view, we have the same interests and laugh about the same things. It’s a lot of fun to have him with me in the team. There is a time when we have to be serious, but then we can also talk about other things besides motorsport. I have two modes: one when I have my helmet on, one without my helmet. When I put the visor down, friendship decreases, but when I get out of the car I try to leave my work behind. It seems to me that Carlos is like that too.”
You and Carlos challenge each other on everything, is that right?
Charles Leclerc: “On many things. In golf we still have to try, but he is stronger. In padel we played together: the level is similar, but he has the advantage. I’m a bit better at chess!”
Now that you both live around Maranello, have you and Carlos ever challenged each other in the kitchen?
Charles Leclerc: “We talked about that and we will do it. My proposal was green salad, white pasta and chicken. He wanted something more technical (complex).”
What is better: Carbonara or Paella?
Charles Leclerc: “No doubt, Carbonara. Obviously with cream (laughs).”
Can Leclerc-Norris become the fight for third position?
Charles Leclerc: “Yes, third place among the constructors. Carlos will also be there to help, because he’s so fast. The future is ours.”
Charles when asked whether Seb can turn things around again: “I wish him that, because he has done great things in his career.”
If you are leading a race, which car do you not want to see in your mirrors?
Charles Leclerc: “As long as I’m first, then there’s no difference.”
What was your first F1 memory?
Charles Leclerc: “I was 4/5 years old and watched the circuit from a friend’s balcony. We watched the GP and played with toy cars & tractors. Idk what tractors had to do with it but that image has stayed in my head like it was yesterday.”
Worst and best moment with Ferrari (so far)?
Charles Leclerc: “Both happened in 2019: being eliminated in Q1 in Monaco and my win in Monza.”
During a close battle, when do you keep the throttle down even at the risk of an accident?
Charles Leclerc: “It comes through experience. In the past I almost always kept it down. Through my mistakes, I have learned that sometimes it’s better to give up on the position.”
Do you have any race rituals?
Charles Leclerc: “At every start of the season, until F2, my grandmother used to take my race suits, remove one of the sponsor logos and sew a little cross instead of it. Now grandma is gone, I can’t sew and the ritual is over. I was thinking about keeping a lucky charm in my pocket but then I thought to myself: if you need an object [to feel better], then you are missing something on the mental aspect, so I let it go.”
Leave a Reply