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Charles Leclerc claims he ‘only cares about victory’ heading into the Emilia Romagna GP

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Armaan Agarwal | Last updated 5/17/24

Charles Leclerc and Ferrari have failed to challenge Max Verstappen ‘s dominance in F1. The Monegasque driver has failed to win a race since his failed title bid in 2022. Moreover, Leclerc’s teammate Carlos Sainz has won two races since last season. Heading into the first Italian race weekend of the season at Imola, the 26-year-old has declared his desire to win in front of the Tifosi.

Ferrari has come much closer to Red Bull this season. Charles Leclerc mentioned that this gave him hope regarding winning a race if the team has a perfect weekend. Moreover, the 26-year-old made it clear that it simply didn’t matter if he finished second or third. As, the Monegasque driver focused solely on winning in F1.

It feels better, because at least you have some hope that if you do everything perfect you will really have a chance to win. As I have always said, for me to be second, third, fourth, fifth... That does not matter, I only care about victory. Charles Leclerc said, as reported by Soymotor

Additionally, Leclerc emphasized that having opportunities to win in F1 again was an amazing feeling. The Ferrari star claimed that this was positive not only for the team but even for the millions of fans around the globe who root for Maranello every race weekend.

So, when you see there are a little more opportunities it's amazing. Not only for us and the team, but also for the fans and people who follow us from anywhere in the world. Charles Leclerc explained

Charles Leclerc ‘very motivated’ to win next two rounds of the season

Max Verstappen and Red Bull have lost two rounds of the first six races of 2024. Carlos Sainz’s Australian GP victory came after the Dutch driver suffered a mechanical failure. However, Lando Norris managed to fend off Verstappen on pure pace in Miami after the Briton inherited the lead due to Safety Car period. As such, it seems that rivals now have the pace to truly match Milton Keynes.

Charles Leclerc claimed that having such competition was good for the sport. The Monegasque driver highlighted how Sainz and Norris toppled Verstappen to stand on the top step of the podium. Subsequently, Leclerc declared that he was motivated to fight for victory at Imola and the next round in Monaco.

If you see a little competition it's always good. We have seen how in Australia Carlos was able to make it work, Lando did the same in Miami, and I I am very motivated to make it work here, in Monaco and in all the races of the season. Charles Leclerc concluded

Certainly, the Emilia Romagna GP would be an exciting weekend for fans. Max Verstappen and Red Bull could face a real threat from the Scuderia this weekend, with McLaren not far behind. However, it remains to be seen if Leclerc manages to outperform the reigning world champion at Ferrari’s first home race of the season.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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