Nicolas Todt explains Jules Bianchi’s role in Charles Leclerc’s F1 career. Interview with Nicholas Todt.

In a recent interview for corriere.it, Nicholas Todt, who manages Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc, reflects on Charles’ strengths, the 2020 F1 season and how he began working with Charles:

What are the strengths of Charles Leclerc
Nicolas Todt: “His ability to challenge himself, to identify weaknesses. If he takes pole and makes even a tiny mistake, he won’t be happy. Only a few people think like that!”

Charles Leclerc immediately captured the hearts of the fans, are you amazed?
Nicolas Todt: “He knows how to communicate. He uses the right words and he is spontaneous.”

How do you know that someone is “worth” it?
Nicolas Todt: “I talk to the best people in the business and form an opinion. In karting, they told me Charles Leclerc was special. I met Charles more out of courtesy than interest, he made a good impression on me. I helped him just as a favor to Jules, but he turned out to be amazing. Jules and I understood each other immediately. Then unfortunately it ended like that. But the beautiful thing is that if Charles is here, it is because of Jules. His parents introduced him to me: [They are friends, they need financial help].”

On the 2020 Formula 1 season:
Nicolas Todt: “For someone used to wanting to win, who has always progressed throughout his career, it is not easy to face such a situation. But this season will teach Charles a lot: in difficulties you grow up, it’s as if he had done two years in one. You become even more integrated into the team. You have to move forward, you become more patient. Charles has never lost confidence. And that is the most important thing.”

When you hear people say [In Ferrari, Todt is in charge], what do you reply?
Nicolas Todt: “It is ridiculous, it makes me smile. I have known Mattia Binotto since 1995 and I defend Charles’ interests which coincide with those of Ferrari. We are in the same boat. People forget that I was following Massa, who was not exactly favored in the fight with Alonso. We had to digest difficult moments. And then I don’t work only with Ferrari! I have many drivers and no team has ever complained.”