Chance of a repeat win for Ferrari in Mexico? Leclerc responds: “We’ll give it our all to achieve it”

by Letizia Ganci

At the door of the race weekend, Charles Leclerc addresses questions regarding the competitiveness and the possibility of a repeat win for Scuderia Ferrari in Mexico.

It’s time for Formula 1 to shift from cowboys to mariachis, and all fans’ eyes are on the gap between the three teams on the Constructors’ Championship podium, where nothing has been decided yet. Another important question for the weekend is to investigate Ferrari’s performance qualities, with a cautious and pragmatic Fred Vasseur stating that in Mexico, “much will depend on finding the right balance between needs and the pursuit of the best performance,” implying a lot while also denying just as much.

Just like the French engineer, Charles Leclerc is ready to take to the track for the twentieth race weekend, and he’ll do so with a helmet completely dedicated to Mexican culture, blending it with his Monegasque roots in a true work of art to wear during the weekend sessions. Similarly, Carlos Sainz has designed a new helmet inspired by the Día de Muertos, a local celebration, incorporating elements related to his nickname “Chili” as well as references to chili peppers, which are a specialty in Mexico.

Ferrari in Mexico: Charles Leclerc is ready for the weekend in the land of mariachis.
Ferrari in Mexico: Charles Leclerc is ready for the weekend in the land of mariachis.

During the usual press conference before the race weekend, the winner of the last Grand Prix of the season was asked if there were chances to replicate the result achieved the previous week. Charles Leclerc’s response was quite resolute and neutral, avoiding any illusions, just like that of the team principal from Maranello: “Well, it’s very difficult to predict this season race by race. The last weekend went extremely well for us. We were particularly strong in the race and in terms of race pace. In qualifying, we faced a bit more difficulty. However, on paper, Mexico should be a good track for us”.

But that doesn’t mean we will replicate the performance we had in Austin; we need to focus on ourselves. Of course, for FP2, I won’t be doing FP1—Ollie will be in the car for FP1. So yes, we need to try to maximize our result this weekend and then we’ll see where we end up. It’s obviously a very important moment in the season; there are only five races left, and the Constructors’ title is still within reach. So we will absolutely give our all to try to achieve it.“.

Speaking about the performances since returning from the summer break and the number of points gained, the Monegasque driver makes it clear that the Constructors’ goal remains the focus. Although they haven’t been the fastest in the last races, “we have been the most consistent and maximized our points against our competitors,” said the number 16, referring to the points earned compared to Lando Norris (98), currently second in the Drivers’ Championship, and Max Verstappen during the second half of the season.

We had the best car in Austin, which is a good thing, especially with the last five races coming up; this is exactly what we needed, and it’s the best possible way to start this triple header. Before this, I don’t think we had the strongest car, but we were doing the best job as a team to maximize our points. So, yes, that’s our goal until the end of the season, and I hope it will pay off in the end.“concluded Leclerc.

Charles Leclerc like Maverick in Top Gun: “I’m getting closer and closer to getting my pilot’s license”

During the press conference, there were also some questions about Charles Leclerc’s latest experience shared on social media: the Monegasque driver had the opportunity to fly in a fighter jet, reminiscent of the cult film by Tony Scott, Top Gun. If Pete Mitchell, played by Tom Cruise, had the call sign Maverick, the interviewer joked that Leclerc’s could be Percival, referring to his full name.

Charles Leclerc had the opportunity to pilot a fighter jet alongside Canal+.

I absolutely loved it. It was a very, very special experience. First of all, I’m very lucky to have been given the chance by Canal+ to actually do that, and not only to go into it, but to be able to pilot it. Obviously, we were two in the plane, so it’s not like I was on my own. I wouldn’t be able to fly it even though I’m closer and closer to get my plane license, but it’s another beast”.

“However, to be able to control it in a safe fly zone or whatever you call it, it was very, very special. I mean, the pilot actually let me go to the limit of the plane, which at first, the first day, I could not at all get close to because I was feeling dizzy and not super well. However, the second day we called go closer to it. And it’s just an incredible feeling. And to be able to compare it to what I do on a daily basis or nearly in Formula 1 was a very special experience. So it was really cool.” the driver stated.

Finally, Charles Leclerc concluded by specifying the differences between the two vehicles, highlighting the unique specifications of each: “No, it’s very different because in a fighter jet, you don’t really have references around you that are super close. You’re obviously quite high, so the feeling of speed is not really there until you actually go to the limit of the plane and feel the G, and there you see, OK, that’s crazy! Whereas in Formula 1, with the walls super close, you really have the sensation of speed straight away. But, yeah, both are extremely unique in their own way”..

Photos: Scuderia Ferrari HP, Charles Leclerc

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