Charles Leclerc admits the prospect of fighting for the Formula 1 championship in 2022 “makes me smile” after Ferrari’s recent struggles.
The Monegasque claimed his second win of the season in Australia and now enjoys a 34-point lead in the Drivers’ standings ahead of Mercedes driver George Russell.
In fact, his total of 71 points from the opening three races would also put him top of the Constructors’ standings such has been his start to the year.
DRIVER STANDINGS ?@Charles_Leclerc increases his championship lead to a larger margin than anyone did in 2021! ?
And, @GeorgeRussell63 makes a move into P2 ?#AusGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/uKUgMpR1UT
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 10, 2022
And post-race, there was the first sign that Leclerc is starting to believe a first F1 title is possible.
“Obviously, we are only at the third race so it is difficult to think about the championship but to be honest, we have got a very strong car, a very reliable car too and for now, we have always been there [at the front],” he said.
“So I hope it continues like this and if it does, we probably have a chance for the championship which makes me smile after the last two years that have been difficult for the team and obviously for myself.”
Leclerc crossed the line 20 seconds clear of Sergio Perez, after Max Verstappen suffered his second mechanical retirement of the season.
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And the Ferrari driver admits he and his team didn’t expect to be so fast.
“Honestly, on our paper, we are a little bit behind Red Bull,” he said. “Apparently, we were stronger than we thought. It’s a good surprise.
“I am incredibly happy and proud to be driving for Ferrari. It shows how great they are.
“After the last two seasons, it wasn’t a given that we will be at this level and we are, but we need to keep pushing and the season is long.”
No caption needed ?#essereFerrari ? #AusGP pic.twitter.com/kKJLiSmg2J
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) April 10, 2022
Sunday not only marked Leclerc’s fourth F1 win, but also his most dominant after having to battle hard for his first three.
“In Formula 1, it is the first one where we controlled a little bit the gap and honestly, what a car today,” he stated.
“Of course, I did a good job all weekend but it was not possible without the car.
“And this weekend especially with race pace we were extremely strong. The tyres felt great from the first lap to the last lap. We were managing the tyres extremely well and I’m just so happy.”