The Formula 1 driver for Ferrari, Charles Leclerc once shared his opinion about junior drivers getting promoted to F1 doesn't work for every driver. Leclerc then shared his own experience of how his team put pressure on him to get F2 and F3 experience before being 100% ready for the pinnacle of motorsports.
What did Charles Leclerc had to say about the matter?
Charles Leclerc made his Formula 1 debut in 2018 with Sauber. He had joined the Ferrari Junior Academy as their junior driver in 2016. Leclerc's journey as a professional racer started back in 2014 with the Formula Renault 2.0 Alps series.
He also gained experience in F2 and F3 before securing a seat with Sauber in 2018. It was in 2019, when he joined Ferrari and since then, he is still with the Prancing Horses franchise.
It was back in 2017 when Charles Leclerc shared his views on junior drivers getting promoted to F1 as the trend had recently seen a rise in numbers.
It depends on the driver; I think some people adapt very quickly, but not all of them. It depends also on how you look at things. With my manager, Nicolas, we think that if one day I want to go into F1, I want to be 200% ready, and that's what we are aiming for. That's why we did so many steps in the junior categories. Leclerc said while talking to Motorsport.com.
I did one year in more or less every category that was useful to arrive in F1. And looking back at it, I think we did well. This year I feel more ready than I've ever been, with a lot of experience. So yeah, looking back at things I wouldn't change anything. I'm very happy with how we solved things and how we managed my career until now, Leclerc added.
Charles Leclerc is in his eighth season in F1 as he signed a multi-year contract ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season. His new teammate is none other than the seven-time Formula 1 Champion, Lewis Hamilton.
Charles Leclerc eager to win championship with Ferrari
The Monegasque has his eyes set on the 2025 F1 season and feels that he is ready to become one, but he will need extra assistance from Ferrari.
I feel like I’m ready for the championship. We [Ferrari] just need a car that, throughout the season, is capable of doing that. I’m fully confident that the next team to beat Red Bull for the championship will be us, Leclerc concluded.
Ferrari missed out on the 2024 constructors title by a small margin to McLaren as Lando Norris won the deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.