Charles Leclerc Ferrari performance drew widespread attention from the moment he joined the iconic Italian team in 2019, taking on the challenge of competing alongside four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel. Leclerc, coming off a promising rookie season, surprised many by outperforming the veteran driver in both wins and points during their time as teammates.
After making his Formula 1 debut in 2018, Charles Leclerc’s move to Maranello marked a significant step up, as he found himself paired with Sebastian Vettel, a seasoned champion who arrived at Ferrari in 2015 following a difficult period at Red Bull. While Vettel was initially seen as a strong title contender for the Italian squad, Leclerc quickly adapted, securing two race victories in 2019—double that of Vettel—and establishing himself as the team’s rising star. The dynamics between the experienced German and the ambitious Monegasque set the tone for an intense intra-team rivalry.
Vettel Reflects on Motivation and Mindset Differences
When assessing Leclerc’s rapid success, Sebastian Vettel has openly discussed the contrasting mindsets that influenced their performances at Ferrari. Vettel has relived those seasons, recalling how Leclerc’s youthful approach and high energy levels gave him an edge, especially as the newer driver in a top team.
“Charles had so much energy, in fairness I was spoiled – I mean, I won four championships, I won so many races, I had so many poles, whatever. All I was interested in was winning, and that’s the sort of athlete I was: I wanted to win, I wanted the biggest trophy, I wanted that moment on the podium where I knew I won the race, I wanted the Monday morning feeling of ‘I won the last race and feel so good’, but the feeling doesn’t last long enough so you’ve got to win another one.”
– Sebastian Vettel said on Beyond the Grid podcast.
The 2020 season reinforced the shift, as Charles Leclerc outscored Vettel by a significant margin—earning 98 points to Vettel’s 33. While Vettel had already established himself at the pinnacle of the sport, Leclerc’s drive and eagerness to prove himself altered the competitive balance within the team. Each driver was at a distinctly different stage in their career, affecting their outlook on racing and competition. Vettel acknowledged that Leclerc’s enthusiasm for every achievement, no matter how small, stood in contrast to his own relentless focus on victory and maintaining success at the highest level.
“And Charles came in, and when we finished fifth and sixth he was over the moon with a fifth and sixth, because [it was a] different stage of his career and the first time in a competitive car. I think that’s when I started to struggle a bit.”
– Sebastian Vettel added.
These candid reflections reveal that, for Vettel, coming off years of victories and pole positions, only winning truly satisfied him, whereas Leclerc drew immense satisfaction from each milestone, helping him perform with greater positivity and momentum within the Ferrari team.
The Impact of Life Beyond Racing on Performance
As Vettel recounts, the years at Ferrari coincided with significant personal changes that influenced his motivation and performance. By the time the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the 2020 season, Vettel found himself increasingly aware of life outside the sport, focusing more on family and the broader world. The extended break in racing allowed him to reflect on his priorities, appreciating time with his children and considering challenges affecting them and others globally.
“Then 2020 comes along, really awkward year with COVID, we’re not racing, I get this fantastic break that I never had and enjoyed it so much with the family. At the same time [I was] becoming aware with the kids growing of problems in the world and how they started to affect me and I’m reflecting them. I would say at that time I was probably not on the peak anymore.”
– Sebastian Vettel noted.
This period of introspection marked a turning point for Vettel, as he recognized that his competitive drive had changed. The demands of championship-level motorsport can often challenge drivers to remain fully committed despite shifts in personal priorities, and for Vettel, a combination of professional accomplishments and personal growth led to a natural ebb in his performance peak.
Leclerc’s Lasting Progress and the Road Ahead for Ferrari
Though Vettel’s time with Ferrari ended after the 2020 season, Charles Leclerc has maintained his strong performances for the team. While the Monegasque star has not yet clinched his first world championship, he continues to deliver competitive results, solidifying his status among the grid’s top drivers. Leclerc’s journey is a testament to the importance of ambition, adaptability, and finding motivation at every career stage—qualities that helped him outpace even the most decorated teammates.
Vettel’s honest commentary offers an insightful perspective on what it means to reach—and move on from—the very highest levels of sporting achievement. His experience also underscores the evolving challenges faced by elite athletes as they balance personal fulfillment, legacy, and the relentless demands of Formula 1.
Looking forward, Ferrari remains committed to building on the foundation established during the Leclerc-Vettel era. The lessons learned from their contrasting approaches continue to influence the team dynamic, with Leclerc as a central figure in the pursuit of future titles and milestones.
