Leclerc ready to fight for the championship

Charles Leclerc says he finally feels like he is ready to challenge for the Formula 1 drivers’ championship after collecting his maiden victory in the sport at the Belgian Grand Prix.

After impressing at Sauber last year, the Monegasque was promoted to Ferrari to replace Kimi Raikkonen, who would go in the other direction to the team where he started his career.

It has taken him, and Ferrari, a while to get going this season, but after taking pole position at Spa he went on to claim the team’s first victory of the season, once again bettering the more experienced Sebastian Vettel.

Now that his first win is out of the way, his eye is now on the championship.

"I think I've been in better form [than Vettel] in qualifying since six races [ago]," Leclerc believes.

"I've changed my approach a little bit.

"In the race, it's been a bit of a different story. I've been struggling a little bit in the two previous races but I've changed and it seems to pay off [at Spa] so that's great.

Gasly told Leclerc: Win it for AnthoineRead more

"If I feel like I'm ready to be challenging for world titles, at the end I have the car and team for it.

"We obviously need to work because we are struggling a bit compared to Mercedes but on my side, yes, I've got a lot to learn, that's for sure, but I feel ready.”

Leclerc realises the opportunity he has been given by driving for Ferrari at such a young age, but he thinks if he wasn’t confident in his own abilities he wouldn’t deserve the chance.

"You always need to feel ready, once you are in that position, otherwise I shouldn't be in the seat that I am in today,” he explained.

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Austrian Grand Prix altitude to give F1 teams headache this weekend

• 1 hour ago

Fernando Alonso told to ride out F1 storm at Aston Martin

• 2 hours ago

The heartbreaking question Liam Lawson's brother asked his parents

• 3 hours ago

How Lewis Hamilton changed Ferrari's entire 'philosophy' to bring success

• 3 hours ago

Adrian Newey and Aston Martin redemption is coming and it's all thanks to F1 and the FIA

• Yesterday 19:59

Severe weather warning issued for F1 stars at Austrian Grand Prix

• Yesterday 19:15