'Leclerc has learned from Vettel in 2019'

Ferrari CEO Louis Camilleri says Charles Leclerc is a once in a decade talent, but says the Monegasque has still had to learn from Sebastian Vettel in his first year with the Scuderia.

Leclerc finished 2019 in first place in the drivers' championship, one place and 24 points ahead of Vettel in the standings.

The Monegasque ended the year with seven pole positions to his name, more than any driver on the grid and secured a memorable victory at the Italian Grand Prix, where he ended Ferrari's nine-year drought without a home victory at Monza.

Vettel's campaign has been beset with errors, and even talk hat the German may retire from the sport imminently, but Camilleri says the four-time world champion remains a guiding light for the younger driver.

"Drivers like Charles come up every 10 years or so," Camilleri told the Financial Times. "He's incredibly talented, focused and mature for his age. He's very grounded, he's improving.

"He has learnt from Seb and he would admit that. He has everything it takes, incredible talent."

Leclerc could well have another world champion stable-mate in years to come, with continued rumours linking Lewis Hamilton to the Scuderia in 2021.

Camilleri says reported interest in Maranello from Hamilton would be little surprise, as all F1 drivers would want to sample life in the red car.

"I would hazard a guess that every single driver on the F1 grid today would love to drive for Ferrari," he said.

"Why? Because it is so meaningful."

Related

F1 Superstars

Ferrari star SLAMMED with bizarre 'puppy' reference

• November 20, 2024 22:57

Ferrari

Leclerc 'set' for NEW Ferrari role from 2025

• November 20, 2024 13:59