Charles Leclerc is “the typical Ferrari driver” in Formula 1, according to Damon Hill. The former British World Champion, who won the championship in 1996 with Williams, has confidence in the Monegasque’s abilities. The #16 can aim for the title with a car that allows him not to push beyond the limit all the time. Meanwhile, in 2024, Max Verstappen will have to manage pressure that will continue to grow.
Not just Lando Norris and Max Verstappen in these last races of the season: Charles Leclerc, currently third in the standings and a potential outsider for the title, will also inevitably be in the spotlight. Winning is almost impossible this year, but the performance of the SF-24 single-seater will only be revealed in Austin, when the last Ferrari aerodynamic update package will determine the Monegasque’s chances in this final part of the season.
For Damon Hill, who appeared on the F1 Explains podcast, the Ferrari driver will be able to play his cards in the future: “He is a typical Ferrari driver in many ways. It seems to me that with him it’s all or nothing, but you can win a championship this way. I wouldn’t rule out George Russell either; he can definitely be a title contender.” – he pointed out.
Staying on the theme of the 2024 Formula 1 championship, however, the London champion focuses his attention on Max Verstappen, who will need to defend the margin he has built over Lando Norris: “I think it’s better to have a lead and protect it: you have nothing to lose if you’re chasing, but at the same time, you’re behind. So it’s always better to be in a position of advantage, to have those points.”
“Max has everything to lose. In ’96, it was similar for me because the gap shrank towards the end of the season, and this can be a moment of anxiety. It’s much more difficult. At some point, you think ‘we’re winning, we’re about to win.’ And of course, this is the golden rule in all sports: don’t get carried away. You need to stay focused until you reach the end of the season.” – Damon Hill concluded.
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