BELGIUM: Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has openly shared his perspective on Charles Leclerc’s performance during the first half of the F1 2023 season, describing the young driver’s approach as “impulsive” and sometimes pushing “more than he should” given the challenging circumstances.
After coming close to clinching the title in 2022 as the runner-up to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, both Leclerc and Ferrari had high hopes for the current season, aiming for a World Championship.
However, the SF-23 car’s performance has fallen short of expectations, with Ferrari finding themselves in a disappointing fourth place in the Constructors’ standings after the initial 12 races of the year.
Despite moments of promise, such as leading from pole position in races like Azerbaijan and Belgium, Leclerc’s season has been marred by setbacks.
Engine failures, crashes, and early qualifying exits have hindered his progress. The situation has not been helped by Leclerc’s public criticism of the team in times of adversity.
Vasseur highlighted the impulsive nature of Leclerc’s reactions and noted that while he’s naturally fast, he should sometimes exercise restraint before speaking out.
Vasseur’s comments reflect the competitive tension within the team, where Leclerc and his teammate Carlos Sainz have seen their point gap shrink significantly compared to the previous season.
Vasseur’s insights come at a pivotal moment, as Leclerc’s contract with Ferrari is set to expire next year. Speculation has surrounded Leclerc’s future, with rumours linking him to other top-tier teams.
Recent reports suggest that Leclerc may have agreed to an extension with Ferrari, potentially lasting until 2026, amid discussions with several other teams, including Mercedes.
While Leclerc’s impulsive nature may have fueled some of his performances on the track, it appears that Ferrari’s management is seeking a balance between his speed and more measured strategic decisions.
With the rest of the F1 season still ahead, it remains to be seen how Leclerc’s approach and the team’s performance will evolve as they strive to regain their competitive edge.
Also Read: Valtteri Bottas Expresses Interest in Audi F1 Transition Amid Alfa Romeo Rebranding
