Leclerc positive of personal growth despite "different" season

Charles Leclerc believes he has "grown quite a lot" as a driver in 2020 despite regressing into the midfield in the substandard Ferrari SF1000.

Leclerc was a revelation in his debut season with then Sauber in 2018, earning himself a drive with Ferrari last year where he effectively started as number two to Sebastian Vettel.

The Monégasque driver forced an early review of this arrangement after a string of strong performances that ultimately led to a new long-term deal at the end of the campaign.

Across the first nine races of last year, Leclerc averaged 0.8 points for every one scored by Vettel. In the end, the ratio had swung in his favour as he had scored 1.1 to each collected by his team-mate.

This season, there is a remarkable disparity between the two as Leclerc has scored 2.9 points to each one from Vettel. "I've grown quite a lot this season," said the 22-year-old, who has found himself racing more in the midfield this year.

Although Leclerc has still scored two podiums, he explained: "It's definitely quite a different year compared to last year.

"I've been struggling quite a bit, we've been struggling as a team this year quite a lot more, but surely I think we always learn more when you are going through a tough time."

Should Ferrari end the season sixth in the constructors' standings, the position it currently occupies, this would mark a 40-year low for the manufacturer.

Despite such a galling prospect, Leclerc added: "It's up to us to keep our heads up, to stay motivated, which is the most difficult at the moment.

"But I have to be honest, driving for Ferrari is a motivation in itself, so I'm not sure I'm dealing that much with that.

"I'm usually motivated to do well, to turn a situation around. I have a long-term partnership with the team and I'm really looking forward to turning things around.

"Surely it's not the easiest of times at the moment but we are working hard to get back to the top."

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