Charles Leclerc started off as a title contender in the early part of 2022. But as the season progressed, he and Ferrari were no match for Red Bull and Max Verstappen who swooped the title away from them.
The Monegasque is hoping to be back in the title fight in 2023. And the Tifosi will be praying he delivers the team their 16-year-long awaited Drivers championship medal, but that’s not as easy as it sounds.
Leclerc has long been touted to be Ferrari’s next World Champion. But in order to achieve the ultimate prize in 2022, he would be facing a tough battle with teammate Carlos Sainz.
Charles Leclerc lacks leadership while Carlos Sainz doesnt
Charles Leclerc has often been criticised for being a soft-spoken driver who lacks certain leadership traits. His inability to command in-race or lack of criticism of his team’s errors have been noted as major flaws.
Ferrari’s comical errors did cost Leclerc a crucial amount of points. But Leclerc has never uttered any critical remark over the team radio. Nor has he been able to demand a particular strategy for the pit wall.
Instead, he has often highlighted his own mistakes in self-critical remarks over the team radio. While teammate Carlos Sainz has often clarified his opinions over the radio with no hesitation.
And in case he wishes to opt for a different strategy, he has put his will ahead. For example, Sainz overruled Ferrari’s team orders to grab his maiden race win in Silverstone.
Or during the Brazilian GP Qualifying, where he actively chose to go out on slicks. While Leclerc was forced to take Intermediates, effectively ruining his session.
Despite having a better one-lap speed, Leclerc couldn’t convert his pole positions to race wins. While Carlos Sainz has shown his skill to adapt to races and provide consistent results. However, the Spaniard’s 6 retirements, caused mostly due to reliability issues and driver errors hurt his campaign.
Can Fred Vasseur’s incoming aid Leclerc’s title hopes
2023 begins with a change in leadership at Ferrari. Former Sauber Team Principal Fred Vassuer has been appointed Ferrari’s boss. And this would bring a sigh of relief to Charles Leclerc.
Leclerc debuted in F1 in Vasseur’s Sauber. And prior to that, he raced with ART racing which was cofounded by Vassuer and Nicholas Todt, Leclerc’s manager.
Having a familiar face leading the team will be breath of fresh air for Charles. But the Monegasque’s problems won’t be solved. He needs to adapt and own the position of their main driver.
Ferrari has had a long list of drivers like Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel who never hesitated on their voices being heard. These drivers were notorious for asserting their interests and commanding strategies likewise.
2023 will be Leclerc’s fifth season at Ferrari. And having been associated with the Italian team for a while he knows how to blend with its demands and internal issues.
In order to step up to the requirements of his team’s title hopes, Leclerc must be more assertive. Or his team might find a ‘No.1’ driver in his teammate.
