Leclerc: Ferrari start was a struggle

Matthew Scott
Thursday 12 December 2019 09:00

Charles Leclerc was satisfied to overcome the struggles of his start to life at Ferrari and says memories of his Italian GP victory will last a lifetime.

Although Leclerc would have won the Bahrain Grand Prix if not for engine trouble, Ferrari could not match Mercedes at the start of the campaign, as the Silver Arrows secured one-two finishes at each of the first five races of 2019, with their winning run extending through eight grands prix.

Ferrari had to wait until after the summer break to secure a first win, Leclerc's triumph at the Belgian Grand Prix, which was followed by the Monegasque ending the Scuderia's nine-year wait for a race victory at Monza.

Leclerc hopes to make more memories of that nature in 2020, with Ferrari having closed the gap to Mercedes over the course of 2019.

He said: "It's not been an easy season. The first part we have been struggling but I think we've been working well and I think the hard work paid off on the second part of the season with two incredible wins.

"Obviously Monza is something that was beyond all of my dreams. To be on top of that podium with hundreds and thousands fans of Ferrari was absolutely crazy. These experiences I will never forget them this first year I will never forget it.

"Then again, I've still got a lot of work to do to get better. But I'll put my head down and get better.

"I'm pretty sure well it will only get better from this season."