Charles Leclerc says he needs to tame his “killer instinct” despite being tipped to become Formula 1 champion “soon”.
The Monegasque’s rapid rise in recent years culminated in an impressive first season at Ferrari in 2019, winning twice and finishing ahead of four-time world champion teammate Sebastian Vettel in the Drivers’ Championship.
His most notable victory came at Monza, with the Tifosi embracing Leclerc as their new hero, and the man who waved the chequered flag that day, former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi, only sees greatness in the 22-year-old’s future.
“He is a phenomenon,” Alesi told Italy’s Radio Rai. “I am sure he will soon be champion.”
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Having now signed a new contract to keep him at Ferrari until 2024, it is thought Leclerc will go on to consolidate himself as the new lead driver at the Scuderia.
But it is also clear he is still far from the finished article and one thing Charles wants to work on is finding that balance between going all out and sitting back.
“As soon as I’m in the car I have that killer instinct,” he told Motor Sport Magazine.
“I don’t want to finish second or third, fourth or fifth; those places don’t matter. I think it’s a strength but it can also be a weakness.
“Some of the mistakes I’ve done this year are part of this mentality because I gave it all in moments that I could have just taken less.
“Not everyone will like me, but it’s the way I am,” Leclerc added. “This mentality has some positive aspects but can hurt in some other moments. I need to control it. With experience, it will come.”