Charles Leclerc explains championship mindset switch

Charles Leclerc celebrates his Australian GP win — Photo: © LAT Images

Ferrari

Leclerc explains championship mindset switch

Leclerc is leading the championship after three races

Ewan Gale

Wednesday 13 April 2022 14:05

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Charles Leclerc has revealed the mindset change now he is in a position to fight for the F1 drivers' championship.

The Monégasque driver joined Ferrari in 2019 and despite showing promise with his first two victories in the sport, the team took a giant step backwards the following season with its worst campaign in 40 years.

Last year, Leclerc enjoyed an improved season as the Scuderia pulled itself back towards the front but with new regulations, Ferrari has become the team to beat after the opening three rounds.

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The team sits 39 points ahead of Mercedes in the constructors' standings with Leclerc boasting a 34 point lead in the drivers' race.

"Obviously, I've been in this situation in the junior categories but then to be in this situation in Formula 1 means a lot," explained Leclerc.

"Especially after the last few years, and especially with a team like Ferrari, so it feels incredible.

"Obviously, the mindset is a bit different compared to the last two years because now I know that underneath me I've got a car that is capable of winning and I don't really have to overdo things or to do something extremely special and spectacular to actually get one or two positions because I know that it's in the car and I just have to do the job.

"So the mindset is a little bit different this year. And then to keep up with Red Bull in terms of development is going to be difficult, but yeah, it's the same team that did this car, that will work on the development for this year’s car, so I am confident."

Leclerc - No reason to be on "back foot"

The rebound back to the top of the sport for Ferrari has been a result of hard work back it the team's Maranello base with an unprecedented lack of change in senior management in times of turmoil.

"There is no reason for us to be on the back foot because we've done a great job, or the guys at Maranello have done a great job, building up this car for this year," added Leclerc.

"There are some developments coming and I'm confident that it will go in the right direction. So yeah, I wouldn't focus too much on the others. I think we need to focus on ourselves.

"Since the last two years, I really see a jump in the way we've analysed every weekend in the way we have identified also our weaknesses and how quick we were to react to try and get better in the places where we were struggling.

"So yeah, I am confident that the team can do a great job with development this year."