Leclerc opens up on avoiding social media during slump and insists he's "not a bad driver"

The Ferrari driver suffered a tough run of form between Miami and Austria scoring just 20 points across five races with notable crashes in Miami, Monaco and Barcelona. He returned to form at the British Grand Prix, taking his first win since the 2024 United States Grand Prix, though questions have been raised whether he will need to play team orders and back Lewis Hamilton in the title fight this season.

Leclerc was heavily criticised on social media during his bad run of form and he addressed the narratives behind his slump while speaking after his victory at Silverstone.

Speaking to the media after the British Grand Prix, Leclerc insisted that the criticism did not fuel him and that he tried to "cancel the noise as much as possible" by not looking at his phone and focusing on what is relevant.

Speaking on Formula1.com, ex-Formula One driver Jolyon Palmer stated Leclerc is not a championship challenger, but can become an asset for Ferrari in Hamilton's fight for the drivers' championship - despite his win in Silverstone.

He said: "I still maintain that Charles is too far back in the championship to mount a title challenge, but you never know, and having him back on his best form can only be a great asset to his team and particularly Lewis Hamilton in his own fight."

Palmer's comments have also been supported by the likes of Jacques Villeneuve and former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley, who both stated that the Scuderia should prioritise Hamilton in the title fight immediately.