How did it start, your love of racing?
Charles Leclerc: When I was three years old, my dad had to go to visit his best friend, Philippe Bianchi, Jules’s dad, and so he took me with him to the kart track at Brignoles, near Nice. I did a few laps and fell in love with this sport.
Is it true that signing for Ferrari changes your life?
Charles Leclerc: In Italy Ferrari is like a religion. Wearing that red racing suit is an honour, it makes you feel part of a family that is unique in the world. Here at Ferrari there’s a passion and an incredible dedication, in every man and woman.
How would you describe yourself as a racing driver?
Charles Leclerc: I’m someone who works really hard, by myself and together with the team. That I’m quick – at least I hope so, and I certainly always try to be! And aggressive. I try to learn from each one of my errors, because that’s the only way to grow.
Having a teammate that is quicker than you, is that more a stimulus or an irritation?
Charles Leclerc: It’s more of a stimulus. Every time that a teammate has been faster than me I have always tried to understand the reasons why. There is an enormous amount of data available so you can analyse it to understand where the other one has been faster.
How do you find living in Italy?
Charles Leclerc: I like it a lot! I like the sincerity of the people, the way they accept you: not to mention the food … it’s always a problem keeping to a diet when I spend a few days at Maranello!
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