Leclerc sets the bar: "Five victories would be a great result"

In the period between the pre-season tests in Barcelona, which went on file, and those scheduled in Bahrain, Charles Leclerc he has already had the opportunity to reiterate his feelings, which emerged after the three days in Catalonia. The Monegasque of the Ferrari is ready for the second and final test session, which will be held exactly one week from the first round of the 2022 World Cup. A mix between past and future that merges into the present, with Leclerc who became the protagonist of a long television interview, broadcast on the French broadcaster Canal Plus.

The 24-year-old Ferrari driver, even before setting his next personal goals, reserved further analyzes on the outcome of the Spanish testsevaluated as follows by the Ferrari driver: “I’m happy. TOWe went through the entire set program without any major problems. However, we focused on our own performances and it is difficult to judge those of others. Red Bull and Mercedes will be able to bring updates to Bahrain, then we must remain cautious. Even in 2019 we felt we had a good pace after the first tests, but when Mercedes installed the updates we realized we were further behind than we thought. In addition, it will then take two or three races to get used to the new cars of 2022. The last two years have been complicated for Ferrari, which is always under pressure. However, the team reacted well, and adapted to the rules “.

Speaking of the next championship, Leclerc also remarked on the quality which, according to him, constitute a champion: “The key to everything for me is there constancy – he added – if you win a race but you are not firmly in front, you cannot consider yourself a champion “. When asked by a spectator how many races he believes he can win this year, the Monegasque replied by resorting to a mix of irony and seriousness: “23! No, seriously, five would already be a great achievement. Moreover, if we are constant, we could also be crowned champions with five victories. Another goal of mine is to finish a race in Monte-Carlo, which I haven’t managed yet“.

In conclusion, Leclerc then highlighted some pros and cons on the friendly relations existing between the drivers in Formula 1: “Friendship is a complicated subject – recognized – and it is important to establish a borderline between activity on the track and everyday life. With Gasly, for example, I’m a friend. We have known each other since we were little, as well as with Or with. I have already ended up on the wall with Esteban – he joked – but in the end it’s a good memory, and we grew up together. Also with Carlos I get along. We are competitors, also because your teammate is the only one who has the same car as you and you want to beat him. In any case, we need to find a balance to work in the team. It would then be beautiful run against Arthur – he concluded, referring to his brother’s brilliant career in the minor formulas – and I wish him so. It would be strange, because we love each other and we would find ourselves as competitors, but I really hope so for us “.