F1 News
Leclerc was a step ahead of Sainz in 2022: 'Car may suit me better'
- GPblog.com
Although Ferrari still claims not to have a number one driver, it is clear to the outside world that Charles Leclerc is the leader within the Italian team. The Monegasque performed a lot better than teammate Carlos Sainz in 2022. Speaking to Auto, Motor und Sport Leclerc explains why he was a step ahead.
Sainz joined Ferrari's team in 2021 and immediately managed to beat Leclerc in his first season. This year, the roles were reversed. While the Monegasque battled for the world title with Max Verstappen in the first half of the season, Sainz had to watch from a distance. The Spaniard was simply not fast enough to join the fight.
Speaking to the German outlet, Leclerc says he took a different approach in 2022. Not only did a lot change in Formula 1 with the new regulations, but Leclerc also made adjustments himself.
"I changed a few things. The way I work. The way I discipline myself at home. It was a bit freestyle last year. When I was at home, I was doing a thousand things. To be honest, in 2021 I was very tired from the middle of the season to the end. That affected me and affected the performance", the Ferrari driver begins.
Leclerc comfortable in the new Ferrari
Leclerc admits that the new cars may also have worked in his favour. "It is also possible that this car suits me better. We had a great winter test. We tried all kinds of things there. We paid a lot of attention to how I can drive the car. This allowed me to start the season on a high note. I could concentrate on the details", Leclerc says.
The Monegasque eventually finished second in the drivers' championship. Sainz had to make do with fifth place, with a 62-point gap to his teammate.