Mission impossible for Leclerc against Red Bull at Suzuka?

Charles Leclerc and Suzuka, a complicated relationship. In two participations, the Monegasque experienced a retirement with Sauber in 2018 due to a suspension problem, then a bland 6th place in 2019 after contact in the first round with Max Verstappen. Irony of history, it is at Suzuka that Max Verstappen could be titled, facing Charles Leclerc.

According to the pilot Ferrari, the Dutchman arrives in Japan as favorite for victory. “We have a very different car this year [compared to previous seasons], more efficient on each track. Red Bull will be very strong here, estimates the runner-up in the championship. It's a track where the cars are set up the same way as at Spa-Francorchamps and I expect them to be very good. I hope we learned from Spa and will be better in Suzuka. » In Belgium, Verstappen won from 14th place after dominating qualifying and the race head and shoulders. Ferrari was no match for Red Bull.

Leclerc disappointed if Verstappen is titled: “ Performance was not a problem this year”

In Singapore, Charles Leclerc came very close to a victory that had eluded him since the beginning of July, conceding first place at the first corner to Sergio Pérez. However, the Scuderia driver considers that he did not make a mistake at the start. “I think we've been pretty good on our starts throughout the season. When you look at what happened in Singapore, I don't think we did anything wrong. Lewis [Hamilton], Fernando [Alonso] and I had a bad start by starting on the same side of the track, it was a shame. But I'm confident we'll get off to a good start this weekend. »

While the championship is practically decided in favor of Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc is already in preparation for next year. The Monegasque admits, however, that he will retain a touch of bitterness if the Dutchman wins the title this season, believing that Ferrari had all the cards in hand to play for the championship. “As I said before Singapore, we have to use these last races [to train for 2023], confided the Scuderia pilot. We need to focus on our performance and execute perfectly on Sundays. Performance was not a problem this year. When you look at all the races, from the first until today, we have always been strong. The most important thing is to put everything in place, the strategy, the tire management. That's what we're currently focused on for next year, to try and fight for the championship. »

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