Hamilton & Vettel praise 'crazy' - Leclerc

Charles Leclerc says it is "crazy" to receive praise from world champions Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton just a few short months into his Formula 1 season. Sat next to the Sauber driver before the Monaco Grand Prix, both Hamilton and Vettel hailed his impressive start.

Points finishes in Baku and Spain have put Leclerc 14th in the drivers' standings, above the higher-powered McLaren of Stoffel Vandoorne and Romain Grosjean in a Haas that many of suggested is the fourth-best car on the grid, as well as team-mate Marcus Ericsson, in his fifth F1 season.

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Ferrari junior Leclerc has been tipped for greatness after winning GP3 and Fomrula 2 in the past two years.

In Monaco, Vettel said of Leclerc: "I think the hype is absolutely justified," with Hamilton also adding that the Monegasque was fully deserving of a spot in F1.

"It feels amazing," Leclerc is quoted by Racefans. "Also, Nico [Hulkenberg] when I was with him for the Formula 1 Live spoke very highly about me.

"Of course, I was in front so it was difficult for him to say anything bad, as he mentioned! He still said many good things about me. Felipe [Massa] also.

"So to have these four drivers speaking of myself that way and saying positive things about me is crazy. It's great to hear that. On the other hand, I try to not listen too much there's a lot I can improve on but it's always very special to hear those positive things from those drivers.

"As a person when I'm out of the car I have very big respect and it's very good to hear that. It's an honour to hear that.

"Then when I'm in the car, when I have the helmet on I don't think about anyone, these things disappear.

"The drivers that are there are just any drivers and I will fight as hard [with] any drivers. But when you get out of the car, yes, it's great to hear that."