Leclerc: Learning “a lot” from Vettel

Confirmed within the Team for 2019 at the start of the week, the Monegasque arrived in the Singapore paddock crowned with a new status and with a crowd of reporters in his wake. 

Heading for Maranello, Leclerc, who learned of his promotion last Saturday via Maurizio Arrivabene, arrives in the garden of Sebastian Vettel, a much thicker piece than the likeable but harmless Marcus Ericsson. 

The German, who is launched into a fierce duel with Lewis Hamilton for a 5th world title, has often praised the performances of his future teammate while also flattering Kimi Räikkönen, who will make the opposite path to Sauber.

« We always got along very well with Sebastian., says Leclerc. I haven't had the chance to really talk to him yet but he has always been very nice to me. He sent me messages when things were going well for me or when I was in the simulator. It's a great opportunity to be alongside a driver like that, where I will learn a lot. ». 

Leader of the Scuderia since 2015, Vettel has never really been worried by Räikkönen, who willingly complies with the demands of their employer. Does Leclerc expect to be subjected to the same tacit law given the difference in track record with his next garage neighbor?

« So far, I haven't been told about this at all., defused the former champion F2. Afterwards it is certain that like in any team, when we arrive at the end of the season and there is one who plays for the championship and the other not, we have to play the team instructions and that I will be ready for. to do. But no one ever mentioned that to me from the start of the year. 

For me, in each team, there is no Number 1 driver, nor Number 2 driver at the start of the year. I think it sets in after a few races when the title is really on the line. ». 

Young, fast and mature, Leclerc seems destined for big things at Ferrari, but does he feel mentally prepared to face such pressure? The Scuderia remains an institution in the paddock and has just broken an old tradition of only hiring experienced drivers.

« Yes, he replies as calmly as possible. The pressure, I don't know if I manage it better than others but I don't feel it that much. Of course there is always a bit of pressure but I concentrate on myself and I find that it takes a lot off my shoulders. I think if I can do the job I'll get good results and that's really what I focus on, rather than people's expectations of me. ».