Leclerc to change racing approach in 2020

Charles Leclerc believes he has a “killer instinct” which drives him to settle for nothing less than first place, but thinks he needs to change this approach when it proves to be a disadvantage.

The Monegasque driver enjoyed his first season with Ferrari in 2019, and although it took him longer than he would have liked, he eventually claimed his first race wins with the team at Belgium and then, crucially for the Scuderia, at Monza.

He is predicted by most to be a future world champion, but if he is to gain more race wins and eventually challenge for the title, he believes he needs to change his approach during races slightly.

“As soon as I’m in the car I have that killer instinct,” Leclerc told Motor Sport Magazine.

“I don’t want to finish second or third, fourth or fifth; those places don’t matter. I think it’s a strength but it can also be a weakness.

“Some of the mistakes I’ve done this year are part of this mentality because I gave it all in moments that I could have just taken less.

“Not everyone will like me, but it’s the way I am. This mentality has some positive aspects but can hurt in some other moments. I need to control it. With experience it will come.”

The 22-year-old recently signed a new contract with Ferrari to stay with the team until at least 2024.

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