Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is keen on finishing third in the 2019 F1 drivers’ standings in only his second year in the premier category.
Having joined Ferrari in 2019, Leclerc is aiming to finish his first year with the Italian manufacturer on a high, in third place in the F1 drivers’ standings behind the Mercedes duo Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.
Leclerc made his debut in F1 in 2018 with Alfa Romeo Racing, where he finished outside the Top 10 in 13th. “Of course, I am interested,” said Leclerc to the media. “This is my second year in F1. Last year I was 13th, so I am keen to be third this year.”
Since the summer break, Leclerc has been the top points scorer in the last five races with a total of 91 points to his name, which includes two victories in Belgium and Italy. “I think we have improved,” said Leclerc. “I think we are working very well to know-how will be 2020.
“It is a bit too early probably as it will be a new car. There are a lot of new elements than what we are seeing in one season, and there are a lot more things in the performance of a new car so that we will have to wait and see.
“Still, I think the dynamic of the team is very good at the moment, we have done very good progress through the season which is really good to see, it means we have done something right, and we will try to keep that for next season.
“I am confident that we can at least close the gap.” The Monegasque driver has impressed from the start of the 2019 season by taking pole in Bahrain and leading the race, before an engine issue robed the victory from him.
The Ferrari F1 driver has stated repeatedly that his goals for this year was to learn and improve with every race and he believes he has completed most of it. “My main goal was to improve this season,” started Leclerc.
“I took this challenge as a huge opportunity to be next to Seb and to learn from him. I think I achieved most of my targets. I am happy with the way I have grown this year, there is still a lot to learn, but I am happy for this first season.”
As for further learning, he added: “I think I have been learning a lot. Obviously coming to Ferrari, there is a lot more attention so everything you do is a lot more analysed, criticised or you have a lot more congratulation when you do a good job.
“There have been hard days. Singapore and Sochi were quite hard ones to take for me, even though on the track the performance was quite good. But I keep learning, and that is what I will do for the rest of the season and the rest of my career.”
With four races left in the 2019 F1 season and 104 points up for grab, it will be a close fight for third with Leclerc leading in 223 from Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen and Leclerc’ teammate Vettel, both having 212 points to their names.
Here’s what Sebastian Vettel said regarding Charles Leclerc
The report was written by Venkatesh P Koushik and edited by Darshan Chokhani
