Prost: First stage of Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari career “a complete success”

Leclerc joined Ferrari after his impressive rookie season with Sauber (now Alfa Romeo) in 2018, almost going on to win in his second race for the team after claiming pole in Bahrain.
 
But engine issues dropped the Monegasque from first to third, leaving the 22-year old to wait until the second half of the season for his first win.
 
Leclerc took his third pole in Belgium and went on to claim his first win, repeating the same achievement a week later in Monza for his two victories of the season as he finished above Ferrari teammate Sebastian Vettel in the championship.
 
"I speak with Charles a lot," Prost told France's Auto-Hebdo. 
 
"The first obvious thing one can underline was his ability to convince Ferrari to hire him at such a young age.
 
"Racing for the Scuderia come with phenomenal pressure. With that in mind, one can say that the first stage of his career has been a complete success.”

The Monegasque’s impressive first year with Ferrari earned him a new five-year contract with the team until 2024, with Prost believing he has already earned his ‘stripes’.

"Charles has already earned his stripes," Prost added.

"One can almost consider him an equal number one at Ferrari. To be able to race as Vettel's equal in his maiden year with Ferrari is something extremely positive.

"Looking ahead, it doesn't really matter if he's a little faster or slower on occasion. Charles showed great maturity, and he didn't hesitate to get his elbows out a few times.

"When I listen to his radio messages, I sometimes say to myself: 'That kid has guts!'"