SPA, BELGIUM: Pole position qualifier Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari celebrates in parc ferme during qualifying for the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Will Taylor-Medhurst/Getty Images)
Ferrari will land on the 2021 grid with two young talented drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. Leclerc scored 98 points last season, which, considering Ferrari’s power unit woe, was very impressive. The Monegasque outperformed his teammate, Sebastian Vettel, by 65 points last season.
Considering his performance, team boss Mattia Binotto explained that Leclerc has already proven himself and has the potential to be a future leader.
“Very difficult from the competitiveness point of view of our car but I think that in terms of leader of the team, he is developing himself.
“Charles does not need to prove how fast he is; I think everyone knows how good he is, driving, quali, race, difficult conditions. I think in that respect again, very well done,” he said.
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In a power unit-castrated Ferrari, Leclerc led the team from the front. Binotto pointed out his qualities as a motivator within the team, stating that they will help his teammate and the team perform better.
“He understands when it’s time to support the team, when it’s time to push, when it’s time to… really improve. He’s aware that results of the future are somehow depending as well on his contribution.
“I think in that, he’s really a leader; not only as a driver, he developed himself quite a lot this season,” explained Binotto.
The Ferrari boss also said that over the last two years with Ferrari, Leclerc has also learned a lot in terms of driving, tire management and racing speed. The Monegasque has matured as a driver over the years, and Binotto believes he will keep getting stronger.
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are at a unique turn with Ferrari. The drivers don’t just have to win races for the team, but also help develop its overall performance. Do you think Leclerc will lead the charge and help improve Ferrari’s performance?