Charles Leclerc

Leclerc finds 'something Vettel is doing better'

Martin Macdonald Sunday 4 August 2019 18:16

Leclerc finds 'something Vettel is doing better'

Charles Leclerc believes he needs to learn how to deal with tyre degradation in long runs to match Sebastian Vettel, whom he reckons is simply “better” than him at tyre strategy.

The Monegasque driver led his veteran team-mate for the majority of the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday, but was bested by the German in the last remaining laps who went on to claim the last podium spot.

Leclerc know his tyre management needs to improve as that was the main reason why Vettel was allowed to easily overtake for third.

“Yeah, tyres going off. We pitted quite early on the first stint, mostly because I was struggling with tyres,” he admitted.

“Then on the second stint towards the end, I was struggling with tyres again in the rear. So, there is definitely something Seb is doing better than me, in long runs when there is degradation.

Vettel troubled by Ferrari gap to Mercedes, Red BullRead more

“So, I need to understand where it is coming from and try to improve that.”

When asked whether he believed Ferrari’s strategy could have helped him perform better, Leclerc revealed that the strategy was changed to meet his struggles.

“We adapted the strategy to myself, so I couldn't go much longer,” he added.

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Leclerc finds 'something Vettel is doing better'

Leclerc finds 'something Vettel is doing better'