Charles LeClerc Reveals his Real Thoughts on Teammate Vettel

Charles Leclerc is entering just his second season in F1. The young man from Monaco is the talk of the town as he heads into his first season with Ferrari.

The 21-year-old was chosen by the Prancing Horse to replace Kimi Raikkonen, despite his inexperience.

Leclerc’s best finish in his debut season with Sauber came in Azerbaijan, where he finished sixth.

The Monegasque driver finished 13th in last season’s championship, beating teammate Marcus Ericsson. Now, a new challenge awaits him as he partners four-time world champ Vettel at Ferrari.

But Leclerc isn’t daunted by sharing a paddock with the German.

“Nervous? No,” Leclerc said at Ferrari’s launch when asked how he feels to be racing alongside Sebastien Vettel.

“It’s more an opportunity for me.

“To be next to Sebastien, who is such a champion, I can definitely learn a lot from him.

“I just see it as an opportunity and I’m pretty sure it will be an amazing season.

“The key will be to work all together but I’m sure we will make it.”

Ferrari are arguably the most recognisable name in F1 racing, having won 16 constructors’ championships.

The last came back in 2008 and Raikkonen has warned former Ferrari test driver Leclerc of the perils that come with driving for the Italians.

“He [Leclerc] knows the team, because he’s been with Ferrari for quite a few years now, so you know, it’s not like he is going in a new place,” Raikkonen told motorsport.com.

“And he has experience from F1. You know, it is a special place to be.

“It’s a bit of hassle at certain times, but that’s how it’s always been, and it’s easier [for him] not to get involved in too many things and just do what he is hired to do.

“Often we are used to things being done [in a certain way], but in Ferrari sometimes it is a bit [different].

“If that doesn’t disturb you, it’s good. Don’t get involved and then just do what they ask you. I don’t…

“And because he knows the people, you know, he worked with them, so it should be quite easy and smooth.