Charles Leclerc claims that he found it 'difficult to focus' during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, amid ongoing speculation about the future leadership of Ferrari. Rumours about Team Principal Mattia Binotto being replaced were circulating, with the team forced to deny any speculation. However that now looks like a certainty heading into the winter break. Leclerc admits the rumours made it difficult for him to focus on securing the crucial second place in the Drivers' Championship. "Coming into this weekend, it was very, very difficult," he told media, including RacingNews365.com . "We had a lot of outside pressures, a lot of rumours around the team and it's always very difficult to extract all of these things and focus on the job. "But we did it to perfection, so I'm very proud of the team."
Leclerc: Second in championship 'means a lot' after 2020/21 disappointment
Ferrari were faced with lacklustre performances through the 2020 and 2021 seasons but started 2022 on a high after taking two victories in the first three races. While Red Bull proved to be the more dominant car throughout the season, Leclerc says the second place "meant a lot" after the previous year's disappointment. "I think as a team it means a lot, because considering how much struggle we've had in 2020 and 2021 to finally be second in the Constructors' Championship means a lot. "We don't want to stop here, second place is good but we're all fighting and working to get to first as soon as possible. "This has been a good step forward, but it's been a frustrating year obviously, for the reasons we know, and we will be all working extremely hard during the winter break to do the next step forward and beat Red Bull."
Most read
