Deploy Folding Table of contents
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc is entering his final season alongside teammate Carlos Sainz, as the Monegasque will be joined next year by Lewis Hamilton, while the seasoned Spaniard moves to Williams. Engineer and coach Jock Clear sheds light on the dynamics between the two drivers and how Sainz’s victory in the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix marked a significant turning point.
The Evolving Relationship Between Leclerc and Sainz
In a recent episode of the Beyond the Grid podcast, Jock Clear discussed the evolution of the relationship between Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc over the past four years as teammates at Ferrari. Leclerc, previously lauded as Ferrari’s ‘golden boy’, was expected to be the one to bring the championship title back to Maranello. However, he faced challenges competing alongside Sainz. According to Clear, “I think Charles has risen to the occasion against a very formidable teammate like Carlos.”
Sainz’s Triumph and its Impact
Clear elaborated on the importance of Sainz’s victory at the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, emphasizing its psychological impact. “Although it’s clear that Sainz might not match Leclerc’s qualifying speed, winning that race meant a lot. Leclerc was the clear favorite for the win, and having it snatched by his teammate hurt him. It was a realization for Leclerc that he truly needed to excel on Sundays, not just in qualifying.”
Leclerc’s Enhanced Race Skills
Clear noted a marked shift in Leclerc’s approach following the Singapore race. “His focus definitely changed; he could no longer rely solely on nailing qualifying. The 61-year-old engineer went on to stress that the past narratives about Leclerc’s supposed weaknesses in race pace and tire management are outdated. ‘Three years ago, it was common to hear that he wasn’t as strong in races,’ Clear noted. ‘But that’s not an accurate representation of his abilities; he’s exceptionally talented in qualifying.’”
Shifting Focus Towards Race Car Performance
In closing, Clear underlined the team’s renewed commitment to developing a competitive race car. “We have redirected our focus towards creating a better car for racing conditions,” he explained. “In the past, we didn’t concentrate enough on aspects such as tire management. What we’re demonstrating this year is a strong commitment to ensuring that our car performs excellently on race day. Leclerc is cognizant of this shift and has actively refined his skills to adapt.”
With the upcoming season promising new challenges and dynamics within the Ferrari team, fans will be eagerly watching how the relationship between Leclerc and Hamilton unfolds, as well as how Sainz adapts to his new role at Williams. The stakes are high, and every race is set to be a pivotal moment in their careers.
As a young independent media, Leading Sport aneeds your help. Please support us by following us and bookmarking us on Google News. Thank you for your support!
