Charles Leclerc concedes to unique Ferrari trait after dramatic rumour squashed

Charles Leclerc believes Ferrari is “special” when it comes to fan and media scrutiny, stating its successes and challenges are more pronounced than other teams.

Ferrari has endured a difficult campaign this year and remains winless after 19 rounds.

It marks a disappointing step back for the Italian squad after it narrowly missed out on the constructors' championship last year.

Team principal Fred Vasseur penned an extension with the team earlier in the season, but Ferrari's disappointing form led to suggestions he could soon be axed in favour of Christian Horner, who was relieved of his Red Bull duties in July.

Ferrari chairman John Elkann released a statement last weekend in which he highlighted his faith in Vasseur's direction.

Leclerc, who is in his seventh season with Ferrari, acknowledged that such speculation surrounding Ferrari is nothing new.

“It's the way it is,” Leclerc told media including RacingNews365. 

“I've been with the team since 2019 and I know that these kind of rumours are always being blown out of proportion. 

“Is this something I enjoy? No, of course not. I don't think anybody enjoys it in the team.

“We would rather just focus on what's most important for us. But it is the way it is.”

Despite nearing almost two decades without a title win, Ferrari remains the most successful team on the F1 grid, having enjoyed triumphant spells throughout its long history with the sport.

As a result, it is often scrutinised heavily - particularly in its home country - if results are not delivered.

“I think Ferrari is very special, because whenever we do something good, it's blown up out of proportion into something incredible,” Leclerc added.

“But that also is true for the opposite, and that makes it more difficult to manage these ups and downs when you drive for a team like Ferrari.

“It's also what makes it special, and we need to make sure that these kind of things don't affect us. 

“I don't think it did because we had a great weekend in Austin, considering everything that was going around the team, it was not easy.

“We've done a good job as a team to do that, and we need to keep on doing that.”