Leclerc: This year we can fight for the title

In an interview with BBC Sport, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc spoke about Hamilton’s transition and tasks for the near future…

Charles Leclerc: “For me, Lewis’ arrival is an incredible opportunity. I will be able to learn from the most successful driver in history, to prove myself in the fight against the one everyone looks up to.

Ferrari’s attitude towards me has not changed. This team needs the best drivers behind the wheel of two cars. In the interest of Ferrari, this is understandable. For me, I see nothing wrong with this, because this is Lewis Hamilton.

Will I be able to beat him? I am interested myself. I have to make sure that when I put on my helmet and go out on the track, I will be the fastest. Then the question will not arise.

I’ve always said that you learn from all your teammates during your career. I watch Lewis drive. We all look at each other. And I don’t see any weaknesses in him. Lewis is incredible at this. He only has strengths. So I’m looking forward to understanding how he works with engineers, what kind of feedback he gives, so I can improve myself.

Do I agree that I am the fastest in qualifying? I don’t know. Every racer considers himself the fastest. When I start a qualifying lap I am always confident. It’s all about setting up and getting a fast lap when needed, and the pressure is very high. I have always liked it.

I have always said that many things are guided by intuition. Of course, I work a lot. But this is one of my strong points. I don’t think I take more risks than my rivals, except on street circuits. You will not do a fast lap at the limit of the car’s capabilities. Sometimes driving just below the limit is much faster. You have to understand in which corners you can get the most out of the car, and in which corners is 95% enough – and it will be faster. And here intuition comes first.

In the past our cars were often very strong in qualifying, but during the race the tyres were quickly destroyed. Ferrari is working on this and trying to change the trend, but we lost a bit of pace in qualifying.

In Formula 1 it is very important to be self-critical, because you often find yourself in a situation where people agree with you on everything. It is fun at the beginning, but I don’t think it is good for the driver. That is why I have always been very honest with myself, and even stricter than with anyone else. Just to balance the situation I am in a bit.

In the last races we are not quite where we would like to be in terms of results, and this is my main priority: to fight for poles and victories again, using the maximum potential of our new products. I still believe that we can fight for the title this year.

Source: F1 News

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