Leclerc credits Vettel for 2019 success

Charles Leclerc thanked Sebastian Vettel for his helping hand in his maiden season with Ferrari after finishing ahead of the former world champion in the drivers' standings.

Although Leclerc's third-placed finish at the Abu Dhabi GP could yet be wiped out after fuel irregularities were found in his car pre-race, he will maintain P4 ahead of Vettel in the standings even in the event of disqualification.

The Monegasque's tally of seven pole positions was also unrivalled on the grid though 2019, while Leclerc delivered a number of thrilling race performances.

A highlight of the campaign will surely be his victory at the Italian Grand Prix, breaking a nine-year wait for Ferrari success at Monza.

But tensions have often simmered between Leclerc and Vettel and their collision at the Brazilian GP led to a flood of late-season controversy after a year that saw Ferrari struggle to hit their straps until it was too late and Mercedes romped to another title triumph.

However, Leclerc was quick to point out the influence of Vettel after securing, for now, a 10th podium of the season.

"I'm extremely happy about this year, I've learned a huge amount thanks to Seb," Leclerc said.

"It's been a great year, a realisation of a dream since a child to be in Formula 1 with Ferrari, now it's up to me to work and get better and hopefully give them the success they deserve."

Leclerc is just the second driver to beat Vettel inside the same team over the course of a season, following Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull in 2014.

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 News Today: Ferrari boss rejects Hamilton request as Leclerc could miss Spanish GP

• 19 minutes ago

F1 Practice Today: Madring schedule, times and TV channel for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix

• 1 hour ago

Italian Grand Prix result could be changed as F1 team confirms official FIA appeal

• Yesterday 22:30

Fernando Alonso announces news on F1 2027 future decision: 'It's nice this way'

• Yesterday 21:44

Lance Stroll 'as quick as Alonso' as insider delivers 'unbeatable' verdict

• Yesterday 20:50

Max Verstappen crashes in first laps of Madring circuit: 'I have no idea where it's going'

• Yesterday 19:50