Leclerc doesn't want to lose Sainz: 'Would be a wrong turn'
F1 News
- Toby McLuskie
Charles Leclerc is the front-runner within Ferrari. In his fifth year with the team, the Monegasque says he has had more bad years than good ones. Nevertheless, the driver wants to stay at the Italian Scuderia and preferably together with teammate Carlos Sainz.
'Ferrari should not settle for P2'
After a strong start to 2022, things went quickly downhill for Leclerc and Ferrari that year. In 2023, the start was worse and, the team still fails to be consistent and connect for consistent podium finishes. Leclerc did manage three times, while Sainz has not yet managed to be on the podium this year.
Speaking to Italy's Corriere della Sera in Belgium, Leclerc says: "They [the podium finishes] are nice, but I didn't really enjoy them. The memory of 2022 is still too fresh. We shouldn't settle for second or third place. Ferrari should win and we have to make sure of that." Leclerc thinks Ferrari currently have the people to start winning again.
Leclerc does not want to lose Sainz
Leclerc: "Yes, but the plan also calls for reinforcements. [The new arrivals] will help us achieve our goal." Behind the wheel, Leclerc also thinks the right people are in place at Ferrari. Driving alongside him is Sainz and the Monegasque insinuates he does not want another driver alongside him at the moment. Leclerc is asked who his ideal teammate would be: "I'm not answering that question."
The Ferrari driver concludes: "[Sainz] would make a wrong choice [by leaving]. I work well with Carlos, even though there is a lot of competitiveness between us." As strengths of Sainz, Leclerc mentions: "His way of working and continuity."