This year, the Scuderia knows that it has a magnificent card to play to take center stage and finally fight for the title again (the last pilot title dates from 2007 with Räikkonen and the last manufacturer crown dates back to 2008). The reason for this possible revival? The profound rule change. “This season’s technical revolution gives us a unique opportunity to get back into the fight. Usually in F1 when you’re behind in development, it’s almost impossible to get back on track. We saw it in 2020 when we took a step back. It was no longer possible to play the leading roles even in the following seasons. This year with this rule change, it’s time for us to be back. Did we complete our challenge? We will already have a first answer on Saturday at the time of qualifying. In any case, for the moment I still have the impression that we have come closer to Red Bull and Ferrari.
One thing is sure, I want to win again, I miss it! I won my first two GPs in 2019, I’ll never forget that, but I want to do it again. And if I have a car to fight for the title I’m ready! The two complicated seasons that we have just had have strengthened me. I feel like I’ve grown up. The team has also changed. We work very differently compared to when I arrived in 2019. We are much more efficient. That’s also what makes me say that we can win races again.”
The Monegasque enjoys an increasingly solid status in a team where he is entering his fourth season. And Leclerc can calmly build the following since his contract binds him to the Scuderia until 2024. “It changes absolutely everything to know that your future is assured for a certain time in a team. When you evolve with one-year contracts, the pressure is much greater and then the team does not really project itself with you on the long term in the development of the car.”