Charles Leclerc says that he enjoyed a “good season” despite being dominated by Red Bull and Max Verstappen across the 2022 campaign.
Leclerc won two out of the opening three races this year and appeared to be in control of the championship in the early stages.
But a series of on-track mishaps, reliability issues and strategy blunders saw Ferrari slip behind Red Bull as the season went on.
It eventually consolidated second place in the Constructors’ Championship but finished 205 points behind Red Bull and had to look over its shoulder amid a late-season resurgence from Mercedes.
However, after enduring winless campaigns in 2020 and 2021, Leclerc says it was a positive campaign for Ferrari as it returned to the top step of the podium.
“Not too much satisfaction [from the season] to be honest,” Leclerc said, speaking at the FIA prize giving gala.
“Looking back at the season I think it’s been a good season, especially looking at 2020 and 2021. There have been two very difficult years for the team.
“It wasn’t a given that we will do such a step forward and finish second in the Drivers’ Championship, and also second in the Constructors’ Championship.
“For that, I’m happy. But then looking into the season more closely, there’s been the middle part of the season that’s been frustrating where we didn’t really put everything together come the Sunday.
“That was frustrating, so mixed feelings about this season, but second place is quite good. I just hope next year we can do another step forward.”
Leclerc had difficult moments of his own, particularly during the race in France when he crashed out while leading the race.
He also retired from a race-winning position due to engine woes at the races in Spain and Azerbaijan.
Reflecting on the challenge of keeping control, Leclerc said the compact F1 schedule this year made it easy to move on after a difficult result.
“I think in the heat of the moment and heat of the season, races are coming quite quickly so I think it’s OK,” he said.
“It’s just at the end of the season you look back and you feel it a bit more. But during the season, it wasn’t that difficult.”
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