F1 News

Leclerc expecting a focus on balance for new car

Leclerc expecting a focus on balance for new car

19-01-2020 17:33

2019 showed Ferrari have some way to go to catch the standards of the dominant Mercedes team and Charles Leclerc is expecting more of a focus on the balance of their car.

It took until the second half of the season and the Belgian Grand Prix for Ferrari to win a race when Leclerc won at Spa. He'd go on to claim a famous win at Monza before Sebastian Vettel won in Singapore. 

However, that was as good as it got for Ferrari as Mercedes claimed another Constructors' Championship. Leclerc admitted the direction their car is heading in is all about balance.

"The development direction of the car is more about the vehicle balance that you want because every driver has his own preferences," Leclerc said at the Autosport International event. 

He did, however, admit the drivers have very little input, adding: "We pilots have no great influence there."

In a different turn to his normal questions, Leclerc revealed who he'd invite to a dinner party, and there was a place at the table for Pierre Gasly and Daniel Ricciardo.

"I think on the one hand they would be Pierre Gasly and Daniel Ricciardo because both are good friends, and then maybe I would James Hunt also sitting there, because he makes an entertaining impression."