German tabloid newspaper published by Axel Springer SE, Bild, recently interviewed Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc and asked him about his future with the Maranello team. Here is part of the Monegasque’s interview with the German newspaper:
Can you become world champion with Ferrari?
Charles Leclerc: “Yes. When I dream of being world champion one day, in my mind I wear a red racing suit and get out of a red car. Not every driver can say it openly, but I think every F1 driver would love to drive for Ferrari. So I’m very lucky to be part of Ferrari.”
Some experts claim that you would need to switch to Red Bull in order to become a world champion. What do you say to that?
Charles Leclerc: “I don’t think so.”
Recently, you were also linked to Mercedes. Your contract expires at the end of 2024. Do you have any conditions for an extension?
Charles Leclerc: “No, because I believe in the team 100% and trust everyone from the mechanics to the team principal. There is always pressure in F1 especially at Ferrari. It’s just a special team with very special fans. They have this endless passion for the team. The feeling of victory, that love you get from the supporters, it‘s tremendous. But in the difficult moments, the pressure is obviously also more difficult to deal with. But can’t be an excuse. We have to be able to deal with it. Michael and Jean also had immense pressure and still won several world championships in a row. So we can’t complain.”
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Do you enjoy the pressure?
Charles Leclerc: “Yes, I don’t feel it that much. Through motorsport, I’m used to constant pressure to perform. I need a certain pressure before I get into the car. But when I put the helmet on, it disappears. Then I just drive the car. But please don’t misunderstand me. I am not super relaxed. When it comes to something, I always want to be the fastest. That’s why I’m sometimes not so good in the pre-season tests, because I need the competition, the pressure, to bring out the last few percentages.”
You now get to work with Fred Vasseur again..
Charles Leclerc: “Fred has a good medium and long-term vision for the team. I have no doubt that he is the one who can lead Ferrari back to the top. Fred has proven in his previous jobs that he knows which screws to turn in order to be successful. Fred has a good eye for what could work even better in the individual departments. He constantly analyses things and puts them to the test.”
Who is your role model in music?
Charles Leclerc: “I think anything by Hans Zimmer is good. Otherwise, I like Coldplay.”
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