After eight races in the current season, it seems that Ferrari and McLaren may pose a challenge to Red Bull. This is a promising prospect for Formula 1 fans as it suggests more competitive races ahead.
Following Sunday’s race, Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur expressed his excitement, stating: “It’s thrilling, and I hope this level of competition continues throughout the rest of the season. It’s going to be a rollercoaster until the end.”
Last season, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen dominated with an impressive 19 wins, setting a new record in F1. His teammate, Sergio Perez, also secured two wins, while Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. was the only non-Red Bull driver to win.
This year, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. each secured a win, as did McLaren’s Lando Norris. So far, Red Bull leads with five wins, all courtesy of Verstappen. However, Leclerc’s pole position in Monaco ended Verstappen’s attempt to secure a ninth consecutive pole, breaking a record.
Vasseur believes the tide may be turning, stating: “There’s a snowball effect happening, and we need to keep moving in that direction.”
Vasseur, who has known Leclerc since they worked together at Sauber in 2018, reunited with the driver when he took over at Ferrari in December 2022. However, Leclerc failed to secure a win last year despite displaying impressive speed in qualifying, with five pole positions.
Leclerc’s performances have been inconsistent, marked by occasional errors and a lack of composure to match his undeniable speed. Alongside Verstappen, Leclerc is considered one of the fastest drivers in F1.
Vasseur believed that Leclerc was putting too much pressure on himself, especially evident in Monaco. As Leclerc’s hometown, Monaco held significant personal importance, and until Sunday’s victory, he had not been able to reach the podium there.
In 2021, Leclerc secured pole position but could not start due to a gearbox issue. The following year, Ferrari’s previous management made a misguided decision to change Leclerc’s tires after 22 laps, costing him a likely victory.
Vasseur hopes that Leclerc’s recent victory in Monaco will ease the mental burden he has been carrying. “Winning in Monaco was crucial; it took a weight off his shoulders. I believe this victory will have a positive impact on him,” Vasseur stated. “Last year, he was quite nervous, but this time, he seemed much more relaxed from the start.”
Leclerc agreed and mentioned that he slept well on Saturday night, attributing it to his unconventional pre-race meal. Upon returning home, Leclerc decided to indulge in his favorite pizza, ignoring his usual dietary restrictions. He explained, “I ate a lot last night. I got home late and couldn’t cook, so I ordered my favorite pizza. It may not have been the best preparation for a race, but mentally, it helped me relieve some pressure. And it worked – I slept very well.”
Leclerc’s favorite pizza is the Margherita, a classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves. He adds his personal touch by including “prosciutto crudo” (cured Italian ham), but categorically stated that pineapple is never an option for him.
Now that the burden of Monaco has been lifted, Leclerc can focus on reaching the top. Currently, he holds the second position overall, trailing F1 three-time champion Max Verstappen by 31 points.
Leclerc has confidence in his working relationship with Vasseur, stating: “He has a clear vision of what he wants to achieve and how he wants to achieve it. That is his strength. I have always been fully aligned with his approach,” added the Monegasque driver.
Ferrari’s next destination is the Canadian Grand Prix in two weeks. Montreal holds good memories for Leclerc, as he achieved his second podium in F1 there in 2019. (Reporting by Jerome Pugmire)
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The world of sports is full of excitement and fierce competition. Athletes strive to the fullest to achieve victory, while fans eagerly await to see who will come out victorious. In this scenario, it is important to highlight the dedication and talent of the players, who become true heroes to the fans.
In the last soccer match, the home team faced a difficult challenge against a formidable opponent. The match was intense from the start, with both teams showing skill and determination. Fans cheered with every move, rooting for their favorite team.
During the first half, the visiting team managed to score a goal, leaving the home crowd worried. However, the home team did not give up and continued fighting until the end. With strategic plays and teamwork, they managed to equalize the game in the second half.
Tension took over the stadium, with fans anxious for the outcome of the match. With each play, the excitement grew and the players showed all their skill on the field. Finally, in the final minutes, the home team scored the winning goal, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
After the final whistle, the players were applauded by the fans, who recognized the effort and dedication of each one of them. It was an exciting game, full of twists and moments of pure adrenaline. The fans left the stadium with smiles on their faces, proud of their team and eager for the next challenge.
Sports have the power to bring people together, create bonds, and provide unforgettable moments. The passion of the fans is the fuel that drives the players to give their best and surpass their limits. May more exciting games come and may the sports heroes continue to inspire us with their grit and determination.
