He was proclaimed runner-up in Abu Dhabi, but Charles Leclerc is looking for much more. It is true that the Monegasque has certified his best result since his debut in Formula 1, but seeing the start of the year that Ferrari starred in, fighting for silver knows little. They seemed unreachable in spring, but the course of the season brought to light its shortcomings and, although they have returned to “be competitive and fight for victories”, their many ups and downs show that there is still a long way to go. And, therefore, much to improve for 2023. They have the ingredients, but the Scuderia has not yet managed to come up with the right formula that can stop the overwhelming dominance of Red Bull and, especially, of a Max Verstappen who has finished the year with fifteen victories. Crushing record.
Despite “being happy at Ferrari” and still with the idea of wanting to win with the Italian brand, Charles Leclerc confesses that his arrival at the team has not been an easy path. In an interview with L’Equipethe Monegasque admits that “the past two years have been super frustrating” because they were fighting “for positions that were not desired” for the team. And while a big step forward has been made, reliability is still a pending issue. “This year there have been many ups and downs from an emotional level. At first, the start was almost perfect. The first three or four races were very good”, points out the runner-up, who ended the year with three victories and eight more podiums.
“In the intermediate part, the situation became complicated due to engine problems, penalties and strategic failures, which meant that We were never able to get the most out of the car. In the final stretch, we were a bit behind Mercedes and Red Bull ”, he analyzes about a season in which, he admits, he hit rock bottom during his home race: “The Grand Prix of Monaco was the most difficult time of the year. Things didn’t go well for us, we had done the most difficult part with the start in the rain, but by making the wrong decisions we lost the victory”.
No time for regrets 2023 is already looming in Formula 1. The drivers completed a test in Abu Dhabi with the new Pirelli tires and, although now is the time to enjoy themselves, the focus remains on continuing to work and intensify the step forward that they have already taken for this course. Leclerc was critical, but very aware of the areas in which they have to insist to be champions. “We have to improve reliability, tire management, communication and strategy”, indicates the Monegasque, aware that it would be necessary to “change the process to reach the correct decision”. At the moment he has time since his contract with Ferrari runs until 2024. But he doesn’t think about that either: “There is still a long way to go and there is still time to spend at Ferrari. Being in this team was my dream since I was a child. My goal, for now, is to win with Ferrari, then we’ll see”.
