Charles Leclerc accepts it is upto him to change the “hierarchy” within Ferrari with his performances.
The Monegasque has made a big impact since joining the Scuderia at the start of the year and has been involved in several instances of team orders with teammate Sebastian Vettel.
The most notable example was in China when Leclerc was told to let the German by, and while his performances would suggest such a situation was unfair, the 21-year-old understands.
“I have to show what I can do on the racetrack, and then hopefully the situation will change someday,” he told Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport.
“Like every driver here, I want to be the fastest. So far, I have understood every decision, even though it is sometimes difficult for a driver to accept it.
“I have a four-time world champion next to me driving for Ferrari in his fifth year. I understand that there is a hierarchy at the moment, but I will do anything to change that.
“The boys on the pit wall have a better overview of the race. So, to some extent, I will do what is required of me.”
Also Read:
- Leclerc/Vettel dynamic is ‘damaging’ Ferrari’s season – Villeneuve
- Hamilton: ‘I see much of myself in Leclerc’
- Brundle: ‘Humiliating’ team orders won’t work with Leclerc
Each incident when Ferrari is seen to be favouring Vettel has also caused a stir in the media and with fans, but Leclerc isn’t too concerned by the attention.
“I can see on social media that there are many more comments about both of us,” he said to Monaco Matin. “In a way, I can understand it.
“Hamilton and Bottas have been together for some time, while Ferrari has brought in a young driver. At the moment, many people are watching my first steps in red. It seems normal to me.”