Charles Leclerc says Sebastian Vettel’s “precise” approach acts as a lesson for where he can improve going forward in Formula 1.
Leclerc joined four-time World Champion Vettel at Ferrari this season, replacing Kimi Raikkonen, who took up his vacated seat at Alfa Romeo/Sauber.
Leclerc took pole in Bahrain and Austria, coming close to a maiden win on both occasions, and trails Vettel in the Drivers’ Championship by 24 points.
“I think the way he is so precise with everything he does with the car,” said Leclerc on the biggest aspect he had learned from Vettel this year.
“I think this is something that I straightaway noticed whenever I listened to him for the first time during a meeting post-session, and on that I still think I have some improvements to do.”
Leclerc also feels the natural evolution of amassing greater experience with his side of the Ferrari garage is also yielding gains with each passing event.
“Obviously I’m learning how to work with them,” he said.
“But they’re learning how to work with me, what I prefer in terms of setups in general, what is the car balance and what I like to drive, things like this. It’s better race after race.”
Leclerc’s progress has nonetheless been praised by Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto.
“Charles, it’s his first year in Ferrari with a lot of pressure,” said Binotto.
“He’s done some few mistakes but he’s always very keen to learn and not repeat what he did so far.
“We are very happy with the way he in integrating into the team and the progress he’s doing.”
