Ex-Formula 1 driver Alex Zanardi has tipped Charles Leclerc to be an “alarm” for Sebastian Vettel, encouraging the German to reach his best.
After his impressive rookie season in 2018 with Sauber, expectations are high around the Monegasque ahead of becoming the youngest race driver for the Scuderia in over 50 years.
Also considered as the future torchbearer for the Italian team, Leclerc’s promotion has been described by some as a warning to Vettel following two seasons where errors have cost him a championship bid.
“It is a very positive choice, and also useful to give Vettel a little alarm, not that he needs it,” Zanardi told Corriere della Sera. “Raikkonen is still a great champion, but a check was needed.”
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Even so, the Paralympic gold medalist, who also continues to race cars from time-to-time, doesn’t think the 2017 F2 champion will beat his new teammate straight away.
“Leclerc’s talent is great, but I hope Vettel remains the leader of the team because in recent times Ferrari’s problem was not the drivers,” Zanardi claimed.
“Now we need to improve the car and beat Hamilton, who never makes mistakes.”