Charles Leclerc admits Red Bull fear that could undermine Ferrari title hopes

04/12/2022

Ferrari star Charles Leclerc has built a commanding lead after winning two races so far this Formula 1 season, but he's determined not to become complacent.

The 24-year-old is on track to follow in Max Verstappen 's footsteps by becoming the latest member of the 'next generation' to win his maiden world championship. Red Bull ace Verstappen, meanwhile, has failed to finish twice in the first three races of the year and sits sixth in the standings.

As things stand, Leclerc is 34 points ahead of Mercedes ' George Russell in second, and Ferrari's F1-75 is proving itself to be the best car in the field. He's only too aware of the fine work Red Bull have conducted in recent years, however, and remains vigilant they have every chance of closing the gap.

Speaking to the media following his victory in Sunday's Australian Grand Prix, Leclerc said: “I know underneath me I’ve a car that is capable of winning and I don’t really have to overdo things or do something extremely special and spectacular to actually get one or two positions because I know it’s in the car and I just have to do the job.

“So the mindset is a little bit different this year. And then to keep up with Red Bull in terms of development will be difficult. But the same team that did this car will work on the development for this year’s car, so I am confident."

Leclerc's Melbourne win was made all the sweeter after titleholder Verstappen was forced to retire with a fuel issue. The latter's team-mate, Sergio Perez, managed to finish second but still crossed the line some 20 seconds behind Ferrari's poster boy.

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Leclerc's partner, third-place Carlos Sainz, spun out on Sunday after completing just one lap, though he opened the season with back-to-back podiums. On top of their position of power in the drivers' pecking order, Ferrari has also established a significant cushion in the race for the manufacturers' title.

“There is no reason for us to be on the back foot because we’ve done a great job, or the guys at Maranello have done a great job, building up this car for this year," Leclerc added. "There are some developments coming and I’m confident it will go in the right direction. I wouldn’t focus too much on the others. I think we need to focus on ourselves.”

It's still early days, but Verstappen and Red Bull face an uphill battle to pull Leclerc back within their reach. The Dutchman's narrow win over his Ferrari rival in Jeddah last month serves as proof Red Bull remains competitive, but major changes are required if they're to underline that result wasn't an anomaly.

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