Charles Leclerc has candidly discussed his evolving relationship with Carlos Sainz, who is set to leave Ferrari for Williams next season. Despite their on-track rivalries, Leclerc and Sainz have maintained a friendly rapport off the track. As Sainz prepares to depart, Leclerc's reflections highlight the depth of their bond and his anticipation for the upcoming season with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari.
In a recent interview on the Beyond The Grid podcast, Charles Leclerc opened up about his dynamic with Carlos Sainz, who will transition to Williams next season. Their four-year stint together at Ferrari has seen both intense on-track battles and a strong off-track friendship.
Currently, Leclerc is in third place in the Drivers' Standings with 177 points, while Sainz is fifth with 162 points, just 15 points behind. Oscar Piastri, sitting in fourth, trails Leclerc by only 10 points.
Leclerc admitted that while there have been moments of on-track hostility, these were quickly resolved through communication. He stated on Beyond The Grid podcast:
"I will miss Carlos, the person. We get along very well. Unfortunately, in this world everything is over-analysed and over-criticised, but we have always had a really good relationship."
He continued, "There are times, with the helmet on, when I have hated him and he has hated me, because we have not seen things in the same way. Then, everything is fixed by talking to each other."
Reflecting on his career, Leclerc praised his ability to foster positive relationships with teammates, emphasizing his knack for separating personal feelings from professional competition.
"I have been lucky enough to share a Formula 1 garage with drivers who are very open to talking and know how to separate the relationship well on and off the track," he noted. "I have never had a bad relationship with anyone, but I think that is part of my personality, I have no problems with anyone."
Looking ahead, Leclerc is eager about the new chapter at Ferrari, where he will be joined by Lewis Hamilton. The Monegasque driver, who admired Hamilton during his karting days, expressed his excitement.
"It’s going to be incredible to have Lewis on the team," Leclerc said. “First, it’s going to be a great opportunity to learn from one of the best ever. And second, it is going to be an amazing opportunity for me to show what I’m capable of."
Leclerc's anticipation is palpable as he prepares to race alongside a driver he once viewed as a role model.
"By being on karting tracks every weekend growing up, it was difficult for me to actually follow a Formula 1 season, so I used to watch some races and he was definitely one of the guys that I looked up to," he added.
"In the first year [in F1], I remember being super-impressed and intimidated by all these amazing drivers, and Lewis is probably the best out there, so being able to race with him was crazy.”
As Charles Leclerc bids farewell to Carlos Sainz and prepares for Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari, the Monegasque driver’s reflections capture the essence of his journey.
Despite competitive tensions, Leclerc's respect for Sainz and excitement for Hamilton underscore a pivotal transition for the Scuderia team. With ten races remaining, Leclerc’s readiness to embrace new challenges highlights his commitment to both personal growth and Ferrari’s future success.
Most Popular
Comments / 0