Leclerc stands by his decision: "I don't call that a risk"

The glory days of Ferrari are already several years behind us. The last world titles date back to 2007 (drivers) and 2008 (constructors) and last year the Italians even had their worst season since 1980 with a sixth place in the constructors' championship.

Incredible opportunity

After a strong debut season at Alfa Romeo Sauber, Charles Leclerc made the move to Ferrari where he immediately impressed with two wins and a fourth place in the championship. On top of that he defeated teammate and four times world champion Sebastian Vettel. At the end of the season, he signed a five-year contract with Ferrari.

However, in 2020 Ferrari were nowhere to be found and a second place in the opening race in Austria was the best result for the Monegasque. Doubting his decision to go for a long-term deal with Ferrari, Leclerc never had any doubts. "I signed with Ferrari, so I don't call that a risk," he told F1 podcast Beyond the Grid. "For me it was an incredible opportunity."

Accustomed to winning

Leclerc looks back on the first time he knew he was going to be a Ferrari driver. "I couldn't believe it, that was a dream for me. I signed for five years for the team I always dreamed of." Nevertheless, Leclerc also has to agree that Ferrari is going through a difficult time. "But that only motivates me to push the team even more to try and get it back to where it belongs."

As such, Leclerc would be very happy to stay at Ferrari for the rest of his career. "Of course I would be, but I would be even happier if we start winning again, because that's what's important. I know this is also important for the whole team. We are pushing like crazy to try and win again because this is what this team is used to doing. It's not fun to fight where we're fighting right now."