Leclerc pinpoints key areas behind Ferrari F1 growth

Charles Leclerc has opened up on where he feels Ferrari has improved since he joined the team.

Having been associated with the Italian outfit for a number of years, Leclerc was promoted to the team in 2019 to partner Sebastian Vettel.

The Monegasque driver has endured five title-less seasons with the team - however Ferrari is mounting a charge for the constructors' standings this year and currently sit just 29 points off leaders McLaren.

Reflecting on the gains Ferrari has made in recent seasons, Leclerc told media including RacingNews365: “There were a few weaknesses when I arrived in the team. 

“Tyre management on my side was always a weakness back then and I think now it is actually one of my strengths.

“As a team, we have improved the way we have we are working together, and that's small steps every year, but small steps in the right direction and that makes a difference.

“Strategy-wise, we are in a much better place today. Ravin [Jain] and his team are doing an exceptional job.”

Leclerc hails Vasseur impact on Ferrari F1 team

However, Leclerc suggested the arrival of team principal Frederic Vasseur in 2023 has helped solidify its growth.

“Then there’s also the arrival of Fred, which has done a lot of good for the team,” Leclerc said

“I think the really good thing about Ferrari is that there’s a lot of passion inside the team and that helps to push people even over the normal work hours just because they love their job so much and it means so much that they do more.

“However, you can pay the price of that sometimes when you have a tough time because they are more affected emotionally by the team and that makes it difficult.

“However, Fred is a very emotionally flat person, at least professionally speaking. That’s exactly what’s needed in Ferrari for a boss with always a very clear vision and not being affected by the outside world’s perception and emotions.”

While noting the gains it has made of late, Leclerc asserted the team still has a ways to go to reach its objectives.

“There is still a lot of room to improve in the next few years - but we have a clear vision of where we are now and where we want to go in terms of development,” he said.

“Then in terms of goals, it’s clear for everybody that we want to win both titles and hopefully we’ll start with one this year.”