Ferrari slipped back to sixth in the constructors’ championship in a disastrous 2020 season in which the Italian team posted their worst Formula 1 result in four decades.
But it has enjoyed a resurgence in competitiveness this year and is in a close battle with McLaren for third place in the world championship it currently holds mid-season.
Leclerc has shown a number of excellent performances for Ferrari this season, taking consecutive poles in Monaco and Baku despite not converting his impressive one-lap speed into victories.
The Monegaske came closest to Ferrari’s first win in two years at the British Grand Prix after taking advantage of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton’s collision on the first lap. Despite a brilliant drive, Leclerc had to settle for second place at Silverstone after being overtaken by the recovering Hamilton three laps to go.
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Given the eleven inaugural races, Leclerc admitted that the 2021 season was “better than expected” but insisted that Ferrari’s revival should come as no surprise to him.
“I think there is a lot of work behind it and of course I can always see that when I drive here in Maranello,” explained Leclerc. “So it’s not a complete surprise.
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“Of course there is a big gain compared to last year, which is great to see and shows that we are doing something right with the way we work. But it is not the end of the road and we aim to do it again to be.” on top.
“We just don’t really focus on the expectations, we just focus on the work in Maranello and on the track, trying to maximize everything to be back where we want to be as soon as possible.”
Leclerc is seventh in the championship and three points behind new team-mate Carlos Sainz, who has enjoyed an impressive adjustment after his winter change from McLaren at Maranello.
And Leclerc believes he and Sainz have forged a strong partnership that will help propel the team forward in their quest to get back to winning ways.
“I’m enjoying this season,” he said. “It’s not an easy phase for the team. Of course, we’re trying to reconstruct everything so that we can get back to the top as quickly as possible. It was the first year with Carlos as a teammate.
“It’s going very, very well. We’re pushing each other, he’s very, very competitive, which is great for me.
“And yes, as a team we work very, very well. We are trying to use this dynamic to gain this experience and be as prepared as possible for the next year, which will be a very important one.
“Of course not to forget this year and try to maximize our results.”
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