Charles Leclerc has emerged as Ferrari’s brightest hope for a Formula 1 championship, yet his path to glory has been anything but smooth. Since joining the Maranello-based team in 2019, the 27-year-old has displayed remarkable talent, but his title hopes have often been derailed by Ferrari’s infamous strategy missteps. Now, as he enters the final stretch of the 2024 season, Leclerc is determined to capitalize on his growth as a driver and lead Ferrari to championship contention.
Leclerc’s Evolution: Turning Weaknesses into Strengths
Leclerc has long been lauded for his raw speed and racecraft, but his earlier years at Ferrari revealed vulnerabilities, particularly in tyre management. This season, however, the Monegasque driver has turned that perceived weakness into a strength.
“Tyre management on my side was always a weakness back then, and I think now it is actually one of my strengths,” Leclerc said. “As a team, we have improved the way we are working together, and that’s small steps every year, but small steps in the right direction, and that makes a difference.”
Leclerc also credited Ferrari’s improved strategic operations, led by Ravin Jain and his team, for the Reds’ resurgence in 2024. Despite the team’s historic struggles with race strategy, Ferrari now stands second in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing McLaren by just 36 points.
Marc Surer Weighs In: Leclerc’s Precision vs. Sainz’s Adaptability
Former F1 driver Marc Surer offered a candid assessment of Leclerc and outgoing teammate Carlos Sainz, highlighting the stark differences in their driving styles. According to Surer, Leclerc excels in optimal conditions, extracting incredible speed when the car suits his preferences.
“If the car is good, then Leclerc is incredibly fast. But only then,” Surer explained. “When the car does what he wants—namely turn in well—he is often two or three-tenths faster than Sainz. But the car has to do exactly what Leclerc wants.”
In contrast, Sainz has showcased an ability to adapt to less-than-ideal setups, making him a versatile and reliable performer. This adaptability will be critical as he moves to Williams Racing in 2025, a team currently rebuilding its competitive edge.
Leclerc vs. Sainz: A Tale of Two Drivers
Surer’s analysis underscores why Leclerc often shines in Ferrari’s strongest moments while Sainz delivers consistency across varying conditions. Leclerc’s need for a “sticky front axle” speaks to his precision and technical demands as a driver, but it also highlights why he may struggle when the car doesn’t meet his exacting standards.
Sainz, on the other hand, thrives on adaptability, a skill that has allowed him to remain competitive even when Ferrari’s car falls short. While Leclerc’s highs are often higher, Sainz’s resilience has made him a valuable asset during Ferrari’s rebuilding years.
Ferrari’s Title Hopes: A Team in Transition
With three wins and 11 podiums so far this season, Leclerc is poised to lead Ferrari into a crucial phase of its championship pursuit. While McLaren remains the team to beat, Ferrari’s steady progress since 2023 suggests they are closing the gap.
However, Leclerc’s future success will depend on more than just his driving. Ferrari must maintain its upward trajectory in strategy and car development. With Carlos Sainz departing, Leclerc will also need to build a strong partnership with his new teammate to keep Ferrari competitive on all fronts.
Sainz’s New Chapter at Williams
For Carlos Sainz, the move to Williams Racing in 2025 marks the beginning of a new challenge. Surer believes Sainz’s adaptability will serve him well as he navigates Williams’ ongoing rebuild under new regulations. While the team’s immediate prospects remain uncertain, Sainz’s experience and versatility could be key to unlocking their potential.
“The car has to do exactly what Leclerc wants,” Surer noted, “but Sainz can live with it if the car is not perfect. He can adapt to it, he can deal with it.”
Sainz’s ability to extract performance from less-than-ideal machinery could make him a cornerstone of Williams’ resurgence as the team eyes the 2026 regulations as a turning point.
Looking Ahead: Can Leclerc Deliver a Title for Ferrari?
For Leclerc, the immediate focus remains on helping Ferrari close the gap to McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship and keeping himself in the fight for future titles. His growth as a driver, combined with Ferrari’s strategic improvements, puts him in a strong position to lead the Scuderia into its next era.
As the 2024 season nears its conclusion, Leclerc’s championship chances may hinge on Ferrari’s ability to deliver a car that meets his precise requirements. Meanwhile, Sainz’s departure will leave a void that Ferrari must fill carefully to maintain its progress.
The battle between Leclerc’s precision and Sainz’s adaptability has defined Ferrari’s recent years. Now, the question is whether Leclerc can take the next step and bring a championship back to Maranello—something that has eluded the team since 2007.