Leclerc not concerned with the title: 'Only gives unnecessary pressure'

Until the Spanish Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc seemed to be fast on his way to his first world title. Three races later, however, the situation looks completely different. Max Verstappen has a comfortable lead in the championship due to two dropouts and a disappointing fourth place for Ferrari's Monegasque.

It was a serious reality check for Ferrari and Leclerc, because after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix they are a street length behind the team of the Dutch reigning world champion. Still, Leclerc is not too worried yet, also because Ferrari did not expect to be fighting for the title already this season. "It feels amazing but on the other hand, I don't think about it too much," he said.

Leclerc does not see 2022 season as title fight

In conversation with Goodwood the Ferrari driver reflects on the current situation."I just want to focus on the job. That's the approach I've always taken in my career – to not think too much about the outside pressure." This weekend, Formula 1 races in Canada, a circuit where top speed is important. It is precisely in that aspect that Ferrari has to acknowledge its superiority to Red Bull, so a quick turnaround of the situation seems unlikely.

"People will finally see the potential that we have to win the championship. So the approach I want to maintain for the rest of the year is to not focus too much (on the title race) and to avoid telling myself we are really fighting for the championship." According to Leclerc, that just brings more pressure and that's exactly what he wants to avoid.