Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged that Charles Leclerc’s main weakness is his harsh self-criticism, especially evident after the qualifying session at Silverstone. Leclerc’s habit of blaming himself was brought into focus following his frustration over the weekend, emphasizing the driver’s intense inner pressure.
Leclerc, known alongside Lando Norris as one of the most self-critical drivers on the Formula 1 grid, expressed his disappointment following qualifying with a series of expletives over the team radio. Vasseur revealed that the team is actively working with Leclerc to help ease this burden and encourage a more balanced mindset.
Leclerc’s Radio Outburst Reveals Depth of Self-Reproach
Following a sixth-place qualification at Silverstone, Leclerc’s reaction was notably raw and emotionally charged. Over the radio, he said,
“F–k, f–k, f–k, f–k, f–k that. So f–king shit I am. I am so f–king shit. That’s all I am,”
illustrating the level of personal disappointment he felt.
Vasseur commented on this trait, saying,
“For probably 10 years, one of the qualities of Charles is that he’s able to blame himself,”
while also adding,
“One of the faults of Charles is sometimes he’s blaming himself a bit too much.”
The team principal appreciates that Leclerc’s willingness to accept fault helps avoid misplaced blame but stresses the importance of managing this tendency.
He stated,
“As a team, I appreciate a lot the fact that the driver can say ‘okay, my mistake’ this is positive, because it’s not bringing the team in the wrong direction and they are human. It’s good to have the drivers able to say this.”
Balancing Qualifying and Race Focus for Better Results
Vasseur explained that the car’s setup was expected to favor race conditions over qualifying, contributing to Leclerc’s position on the grid. He reflected on a previous conversation with the driver made two years ago, encouraging Leclerc to prioritize race performance.
“We did a real step forward in terms of race pace, perhaps also with the setup of the car and it’s probably going to be more difficult for the quali,”
Vasseur noted. He recalled advising Leclerc:
“In ’23 we did a five or six pole positions and zero wins for Charles, and we are pushing him into this direction.”
This encouragement focuses on scoring points on race day rather than placing too much emphasis on qualifying positions.
Leclerc’s Ongoing Frustration Despite Strong Race Performances
Leclerc’s dissatisfaction extended beyond the car as he spoke openly in the mixed zone about his performance. He admitted feeling he has underperformed relative to his potential in qualifying, despite generally doing well in races.
He said,
“More than getting away from me, I’m not doing the job,”
and added,
“And I think since the beginning of the season, I’ve been performing very well in the races. And looking back at races, there are actually not many races where I would go back to change something that I’ve done inside the car.”
However, Leclerc highlighted a clear struggle with qualifying, which had previously been a strength.
“Unfortunately, when I look back at qualifying, which used to be my strength, there are many qualifying where I would like to go back and to change something, because every time I get to Q3, for some reason, it’s not clicking.”
He acknowledged the difficulties experienced during the Silverstone event, stating,
“We’ve got issues, for sure, particularly today, from Q2 onwards, we been fighting with something inside the car. But it’s not an excuse. I need to be better.”
The Implications for Ferrari and Leclerc’s Future Approach
The ongoing challenge of Leclerc’s self-critical nature poses a psychological battle as much as a competitive one. Ferrari’s efforts, led by Fred Vasseur, to support Leclerc in balancing his mental approach with his physical driving could prove crucial heading into the rest of the season. By focusing on race performance and managing expectations in qualifying, the team aims to harness Leclerc’s talents more effectively.
This strategy reflects broader concerns in Formula 1 about drivers maintaining confidence and composure under pressure. How Leclerc responds in the coming races will likely influence Ferrari’s results and Leclerc’s own trajectory, as both seek victories and consistent point-scoring finishes.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Charles Leclerc a millionaire?
A. In recent years, Charles Leclerc’s wealth has increased significantly. By 2025, his net worth is expected to reach about $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth and Planet F1.
Q. Does Charles Leclerc have a PhD?
A. Charles Leclerc pursued advanced studies in neuropsychology at Université de Montréal, following a clinical and research-focused approach. His doctoral research looked into how the brain reorganizes when certain areas receive little or no stimulation. This research contributed to many scientific publications.
Q. Is Charles Leclerc a doctor?
A. Charles earned a PhD in Medicine. He also completed a Post-Graduate Degree in clinical pathology and received an MBA from EM Lyon.
