Charles Leclerc entertained the masses over the lockdown, streaming his antics in gaming and online races with fellow drivers across the world, but now it is time to get back down to serious business as the Formula One season gets underway this weekend in Austria.
The Monégasque racer enjoyed a second place finish at the 2019 Grand Prix, finishing two places ahead of his teammate Sebastian Vettel, in what was one of the Scuderia’s strongest performances. It is hoped that Leclerc can repeat this in the first of two races at the Red Bull Ring.
“I like the Spielberg circuit very much, because of all its changes of gradient and its high speeds. It’s nice to be starting again there, even if we won’t be able to see the support of our fans at the track.”, said Leclerc ahead of the weekend.
Leclerc swapped his banana suit for his red racing overalls for some much needed track time last week at Mugello. “Last week in Mugello, we were able to get into a Formula 1 car again and I have to say it was really enjoyable to be back behind the wheel,” said Leclerc.
It marked the first time both Ferrari drivers had been in the SF1000 since winter testing in Barcelona back in February.
Speaking about his time away from ‘real’ racing, the 22-year-old said: “During the long lockdown, I spent time working on my physical training and also doing quite a lot of virtual racing on my simulator, having fun with other drivers and I hope it was also entertaining for those watching from home. But now it’s time to get back in the cockpit of a real car.
“I like the Spielberg circuit very much, because of all its changes of gradient and its high speeds. It’s nice to be starting again there, even if we won’t be able to see the support of our fans at the track.
“During the long lockdown, I spent time working on my physical training and also doing quite a lot of virtual racing on my simulator, having fun with other drivers and I hope it was also entertaining for those watching from home. But now it’s time to get back in the cockpit of a real car.“
