Leclerc does not currently see Red Bull as main rival for 2023 F1 season

Charles Leclerc knows that a number of things need to change at Ferrari to avoid a repeat of 2022, but even with the necessary improvements it could still be difficult to challenge Red Bull Racing. Currently, he expects the biggest threat to his team will come from Mercedes and possibly Aston Martin, he indicated to the F1 Nation-podcast.

Leclerc does not see Red Bull as main rival

Based on the winter test in Bahrain, Red Bull Racing seem to be in the best position ahead of the inaugural 2023 race. Leclerc, therefore, is not just looking ahead, but above all looking carefully over his shoulder. "I am sure Mercedes will be in the fight," he replied when asked who he sees as Ferrari's main rival.

However, there is also a team that managed to surprise during the winter test and on which many eyes will be focused. "I heard loads of things of Aston Martin during the winter break," Leclerc continued. At the same time, he does not want to draw any premature conclusions yet. "They were quick on the first day, but you dont know their fuel level, their engine mode, you dont know much," the Ferrari driver stressed.

Ferrari will have to make a number of changes under Fred Vasseur's leadership if they want to compete for the Formula One world title in 2023. Asked if he himself will interfere more in his team's strategy, Leclerc replied in the negative. "I don't think that's the way forward," he said. The Monegasque admitted he is quite outspoken within the team, but does not think it is up to him to make strategic decisions.

"People don't understand how little information we have in the car about the whole situation during a race. I strongly believe that if we get better as a team, when we will be the best all together, that's when we can win the world championship. We won't win the world championship if I am making the decisions on my own in the car, this is not how it works. On that I am convinced and so I will keep this approach," Leclerc said.