Massa “struck” by Leclerc’s ability to handle pressure
Former Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa reflected on Monegasque Charles Leclerc's season. The Brazilian is very impressed by the young driver's mental strength and sees him as a future World Champion.
For his first season driving a Ferrari, Charles Leclerc has consistently impressed the entire Formula 1 paddock. The latest to be impressed is Felipe Massa.
A true icon of the prancing horse for having raced there for 8 seasons, the Brazilian knows the Red house very well and understands how difficult it is to drive there, even though it is the dream of many drivers.
Leclerc is also the youngest driver to have signed with Ferrari in recent history since Massa (25 years old) in 2006, who was then supporting a certain Michael Schumacher.
What struck the Brazilian most about his counterpart is his impressive ability to handle pressure at the young age of 22. Add to that his 7 pole positions acquired so far (a first for a single Ferrari driver since Schumacher) in his first season with a top team, and it makes for a more than remarkable performance.
« He’s a very talented guy, but what strikes me the most is his mindset and his ability to handle pressure », said the Paulista to Motorsport.com. « I don’t know if he is faster or slower than Verstappen, but the seven pole positions in his first year with Ferrari speak volumes. »
Leclerc, World Champion before Verstappen?
It is true that the comparison with the prodigy Max Verstappen is tempting. For the 2008 Vice World Champion, the Monegasque could even reach the Grail before the Red Bull driver. And this in a short amount of time!
« He made some mistakes, but I think we all need to consider his limited experience in F1 and the fact that it was his first year with a top team. He’s a future World Champion, and I don’t think we’ll have to wait long. I don’t rule out that he could achieve this goal before Verstappen. » he continues.
The winner of 11 Grand Prix for the Scuderia, who had only World Champions as teammates during his Ferrari years (between Michael Schumacher, Kimi Räikkönen, and Fernando Alonso) knows how all aspects contribute to the pressure when you drive for the Prancing Horse and therefore highlights Leclerc’s maturity.
« You have to be ready in many ways. You have to learn to handle the pressure from the media, the fans, and the pressure you put on yourself when you realize you’re driving for Ferrari. It’s not simple, and Charles has handled this aspect perfectly. He’s a good guy, and he’s more intelligent than people think. » concludes the now Formula E driver.
If we will have to wait a little to see if the hopes placed in him can prove rewarding, especially if he has a car capable of competing for the title, there is no doubt that Leclerc has the potential to possibly become the 34th World Champion in the history of Formula 1.
