Charles Leclerc signed on to Ferrari in 2019, leaving his former team Sauber (now, Alfa Romeo) to complete the final step of the Ferrari driver academy. Following a brilliant first season including a race win at Italy, the Monagasque quickly caught the eye of the Tifosi as the embodiment of a Ferrari fan’s hopes and dreams.
Settling in as Ferrari’s golden boy, his early mistakes were forgiven because of his undeniable talent. However, more recently, Vasseur has taken a step away from Binotto’s “favouritism” strategy toward Charles, by openly criticizing the driver’s performances!
Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur fires at Charles Leclerc
As a Formula 1 driver, the last person you want to be reprimanded by is your team boss. Perhaps the only situation worse is being reprimanded by your team boss at a press conference. Unfortunately, even golden boy Charles Leclerc is not immune to this at Ferrari.
But, to be fair, Leclerc started it! The events date back to Canada, when Leclerc criticised Ferrari for their mistake costing him a competitive qualifying position. His frustration, while understandable, was not sheltered from the media’s eye, to the degree that Leclerc stated to Canal+,
“I’m really not happy today, once again,” further stating that he wished would be listened to more in the future.
More recently, the relations between Charles and Ferrari seem more strained with Vasseur’s latest statements, categorising Leclerc as “impulsive” and even “hot-headed.” He elaborated, saying, “It is better for himself (Leclerc) and for the team to calm down before you start speaking“.
Almost as if to rub salt in the wound, he went on to praise Sainz’s performances!
Carlos Sainz viewed as “good reference”
Comparing Leclerc’s performances this season to Sainz’s, Vasseur stated that Sainz acts as the “good reference” for the team.
Speaking to Italy’s Gazella Dello Sport, he elaborates, “Carlos [Sainz] for his part is very consistent and for that reason he is a good reference for us.”
He goes on to compare Sainz to Leclerc, “He [Leclerc] is always quick, but this year if we look at qualifying, Carlos was more up to his standards than in the past.”
Leclerc (P5) is currently sat 7 points ahead of Sainz (P7) in the standings, with the two Ferraris sandwiching George Russell in P6.
Do you think Vasseur was justified in making these statements? Or should a team principal refrain from dealing with drivers’ attitudes in public? Comment what you think down below!
