Charles Leclerc called out by his own boss as Fred Vasseur risks Ferrari row

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has described Charles Leclerc as an ‘impulsive character’, claiming that the Monegasque driver needs to learn how to manage his frustrations when dealing with setbacks in F1. 

The 25-year-old driver is currently Ferrari’s leading man in the World Championship with Leclerc’s three podiums this season keeping him ahead of George Russell, who also has 99 points to his name, in the battle for P5.

Leclerc has claimed two of the three pole positions not scored by a Red Bull driver this season, and has a reputation for being one of the fastest drivers in F1, particularly when it comes to qualifying. That does mean, however, that he spends more time on the limit, risking costly errors. 

Speaking to Italian news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Vasseur explained: “We can always do better, as a team and also as drivers. Charles was not expecting a season like this and at the beginning he pushed harder than he should have, now he seems to have digested the situation better. 

Don’t miss… Lewis Hamilton ‘talks to Ferrari boss at every race’ as interest confirmed[LATEST]

“Carlos is very consistent and is a good reference for us. As a character Leclerc is impulsive, if something doesn’t go well he doesn’t hold back. However, for his and the team’s sake, sometimes it is better to calm down before talking. 

“In the heat of the moment, you don’t have all the information you need to form a definitive judgement and in front of an open microphone, it is better to take your time. He is still very fast, but this year if you look at qualifying Carlos has been more up to it than in the past.”

More F1…
Hamilton theory debunked as McLaren boss Brown reacts to Verstappen’s domination[LATEST]
Max Verstappen to outdo Sebastian Vettel after F1 icon left feeling jealous[LATEST]
McLaren boss brutally puts down Sergio Perez with Red Bull career on the line[LATEST]

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

These words could be taken either way by Leclerc, but it is certainly a bold call from Vasseur, who is currently taking part in negotiations with the Monegasque driver over a new, long-term deal with the team.

Leclerc has been marked out as the clear team leader for Ferrari moving forward, with their pursuit of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton proving unsuccessful. This fact comes much to the disappointment of Carlos Sainz, who has been hoping to take a more hands-on approach within the team. 

The 28-year-old Spaniard has been pushing for an extension to his Ferrari contract, which expires at the end of the 2024 campaign, but the Scuderia remain unwilling to offer more than a single-year extension to the Madrid-born driver. 

Source: Read Full Article