Charles Leclerc says that being beaten in last year’s F1 world championship by his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz was a lesson learned, and a defeat from which he has moved on.
Sainz, who made his debut with the Scuderia in 2021 after a two-year stint with McLaren, adapted well to his new environment, outscoring Leclerc in the Drivers’ standings, although by just 5.5 points.
In Leclerc ‘s defense, the Monegasque encountered more bad luck than he cares to remembers, starting with a transmission issue that prevented from starting the Monaco Grand Prix where he qualified on pole.
But Leclerc is ready to start afresh and expects he’ll be battling Sainz once again although the pair will be mindful of avoiding any wheel-to-wheel clashes.
©Ferrari
“We’ve talked about it and we’ll be free to race, obviously while keeping in mind the team’s best interests,” said Leclerc, quoted by Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Obviously I was sorry to have lost the challenge to Carlos last year, but it was a lesson learned and now I’m turning the page for next season.
“The approach won’t change. You always try to fight for the top positions, getting the best out of yourself and the car.”
At the unveiling of Ferrari’s new F1-75, team boss Mattia Binotto spoke of the Scuderia’s “clear ambitions” for 2022 which include returning the team to the winner’s circle.
But Leclerc is aiming for the next level.
©Ferrari
“Winning the World Championship, that’s what we are here for,” he said. “We have an opportunity to try to win on every track.
“I really like this new Ferrari, it’s really beautiful. We are the bravest concept seeing the cars already presented.
“After the work done at Maranello, to be able to admire the final design is exciting.”
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