Sebastian Vettel sees a younger version of himself in "good kid" Charles Leclerc

Ferrari

Vettel sees a younger version of himself in "good kid" Leclerc

Sebastian Vettel predicts a bright future for his Ferrari team-mate

Sam Hall

Friday 20 November 2020 14:08

Four-time Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel has paid tribute to the ability of his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc by claiming he often sees a younger version of himself in the Monégasque driver.

Vettel, who leaves Ferrari to join Aston Martin in 2021, believes the way the 23-year-old reacts to certain scenarios on occasion reminds him of the start of his F1 journey.

That was particularly evident for Vettel following the recent Turkish Grand Prix when Leclerc berated himself for a last-lap error that saw him miss out on a podium place, handing third place to the German.

"I think having Charles as a team-mate, I often see myself in him," said Vettel.

Referring specifically to what unfolded at Istanbul Park, he added: "I will tell him later that being on the podium, or not actually, is a bit irrelevant for him because he has so many years ahead of him and so many podiums to come.

Article continues under video

"It’s right that he is angry. He did a mistake and lost the podium that way but as I said, in the big picture probably irrelevant for him. I think I’m mature enough, I never let this kind of stuff really heat up and get between us."

Despite being overshadowed by Leclerc across the past two years, something Vettel had only experienced once before while team-mate to Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull in 2014, the German has no complaints.

"I’m happy for anything that he achieves and will achieve in the future because he’s a good kid," remarked Vettel.

With the pair finishing third and fourth in Istanbul, Ferrari moved to within six points of fifth-placed Renault in the constructors' standings and, while remaining sixth, joined the fight to take third in a battle which also involves Racing Point and McLaren.

Before you go...

Mercedes conducting review into Turkey tyre temperature failure

Kvyat future remains uncertain despite finding peace with AlphaTauri