Charles Leclerc asserts he won’t change his mentality of driving at “105%”

Charles Leclerc made it clear that he was going to keep pushing himself to the limit despite Ferrari's recent performance slump.

Charles Leclerc asserts he won’t change his mentality of driving at “105%”

Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)

Charles Leclerc has had an incredible run at Ferrari since he joined the team in 2019. The Monegasque has been able to take pole position on 25 occasions in his seven year journey at Ferrari. This highlighted his extreme strength in Qualifying and also placed him as the second best driver of Ferrari behind legendary Michael Schumacher. Leclerc claimed this mentality of his performing at the Qualifying will never change and he will keep pushing always.

Charles Leclerc believed that Saturday’s Qualifying sessions are his strengths of the race events. However, he reckons this strength can also present a challenge for him sometimes. He found it difficult to moderate his driving and often pushes himself beyond his limits, aiming for more than 100% effort. Leclerc emphasized that he can never tell himself to drive at 95%, instead he would drive at 105% and deal with the outcome as they come. This situation highlighted his mentality to give all his efforts and push towards achieving pole positions.

I think qualifying is one of my strengths. Sometimes it’s a problem, because I can’t tell myself to drive at 95%. I’m more inclined to give it 105% and then see what happens.
Charles Leclerc told RTBF
YouTube video

Charles Leclerc admitted that pushing himself to the limits doesn’t always work out and leads to disappointment sometimes. Despite such occasional setbacks, he believed his determined mindset has generally resulted in more positive outcomes than negatives. Due to this, the 26-year-olds commitment to maintaining his approach and plans to continue with this mentality through his career.

FS Video
Sometimes it doesn’t work and that hurts. But in general I think my mentality has brought more positive things than the opposite and so I won’t change it for the rest of my career.
Charles Leclerc added.
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Charles Leclerc claims confidence is essential behind the wheel of an F1 car

Charles Leclerc discussed his approach regarding his Qualifying performance. He stated that he’s not sure every time that he’s the fastest driver for just one lap. However, the 26-year-old mentioned once he puts on his helmet, he believes it is crucial to be completely confident and 100% sure of himself. Leclerc emphasized that having confidence is very important when driving a Formula 1 car. Being sure about his abilities helps him perform at his best and tackle the challenges of racing.

Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)
I don’t know if I’m the fastest on a single lap, but you have to believe in it 200% once you put your helmet on. And confidence is essential behind the wheel of an F1 car.
Charles Leclerc stated.

Certainly, Charles Leclerc emphasized while being unsure of the pace, complete confidence is required to perform well. This mentality ensures drivers put in all efforts to achieve the outcome they expect for themselves and the team. Fans hope Leclerc comes out stronger after the summer break and clinches back-to-back poles as well as race wins.

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