Binotto: "He is already very strong, but he will become even stronger"

Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto is very pleased with how Charles Leclerc has performed during the difficult season. According to the Italian, Leclerc is developing into a team leader.

"On the overall season, I think it has been an important season for him", Binotto said of Leclerc to the official Formula One website. "Very difficult from the competitiveness point of view of our car but I think that in terms of leader of the team, he is developing himself."

According to Binotto, everyone knows how fast Leclerc is and in principle, he doesn't need to prove it anymore the team boss thinks. The young Monegasque's qualities act as motivation for the whole team.

"[Charles] is very supportive. He understands when it’s time to support the team when it’s time to push when it’s time to… really improve. He’s aware that results of the future are somehow depending as well on his contribution", Binotto continued. That is why the Italian sees him as a leader. Nevertheless, Binotto previously stated that Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are equal at the start of the season.

Also, Binotto says that Leclerc has learned a lot in 2020 when it comes to driving, managing tyres and race pace. "So, I’m pretty sure Charles will be a strong driver in the future. He’s already very strong but he will be even stronger – and certainly next year as well."