Charles Leclerc is not planning to follow in the exact footsteps of Max Verstappen. The Monegasque was asked about the success of the four-time world champion after the contract extension of the Red Bull driver. While this long-term collaboration between Verstappen and the Austrians has already borne fruit, Leclerc is still waiting for his first serious title fight. However, the Ferrari driver does not want to copy Verstappen’s example to match his success: “I prefer to focus on my own situation.”
Read more Isack Hadjar has good news for Red Bull ahead of Monza: ‘My wrist is healing quickly’
Although the gap to Mercedes is still large – the Silver Arrows lead Ferrari by 87 WDC points after Zandvoort – the Scuderia is back in the fight for wins. Drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have each secured a victory this year. Yet the Monegasque is still fifth in the drivers’ championship; 28 WDC points behind his teammate. Hamilton’s improved form seems to be the next obstacle for ‘Il Predestinato’, who is still waiting for a chance to deliver Ferrari the next title.
‘Mistake to follow in Max’s footsteps’
At Zandvoort, the news broke that Max Verstappen – who already has four world titles to his name – has extended his contract with Red Bull. Leclerc was also asked about this successful collaboration and what he hopes to do to match Verstappen’s success. “Max has had an incredible career so far and has won four world championships. I haven’t done that yet, but I think every situation is different. I think it would be a mistake to, as it were, follow in Max’s footsteps,” said Leclerc.
Read more Column Giedo van der Garde: The philosophy of Max Verstappen
The Monegasque then explains why. “Because I have no idea what Max does within the team to achieve this success. So it will purely be a matter of trying to imagine what is needed. And instead, I think I prefer to focus on my own situation within the team and try to focus on the process.”
Leclerc therefore knows what his team Ferrari has to do in the fight with favorite Mercedes for the title. “As a team, we know what we can do to get better,” said the driver. “We have had a strong first part of the year. I also know what the plan is for the coming months and that makes me optimistic. I focus on what is happening within the team, on what I know, and on what I have control over myself. Hopefully, I can achieve a bit of the success that Max has had in recent years.”
Read more Riccardo Patrese sees opportunities for Lando Norris in title fight: ‘You never know’
Read everything about the Italian GP here
