Charles Leclerc fans across the globe have been left shocked by the news that the Ferrari driver and long-term girlfriend Charlotte Sine have called an end to their three-year relationship, which comes at the end of a long season for the Monegasque.
2022 has been a mixed season for Leclerc, who started the year in superb fashion by winning two of the opening three races.
This saw the 24-year-old quickly labelled as the title favourite; however, his hopes vanished as fast as they appeared.
Driver errors, strategic blunders, and reliability gremlins ridiculed Leclerc, who did at least manage to salvage second in the Drivers’ Championship.
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Looking ahead to the 2023 season, the Ferrari star is eager for his side to learn from their endless mistakes this campaign so they can continue to make “steps forward” next year, something which will be crucial for the Maranello-based side.
“We just need to take all the mistakes we’ve done this year and try to improve for next year,” Leclerc said.
“I think we really did some steps forward in terms of strategy and the way we have been taking decisions recently, in the last few races.
“Unfortunately, it was a bit more difficult to show it because the pace is not as good as at the beginning of the season.
“But I’m confident, in terms of pace, we will manage to catch Red Bull back next year.”
Going back to Leclerc and Sine’s unfortunate break-up, the duo released the news over social media, where the Ferrari driver asked for his ex-girlfriend to be left alone.
“Hello everyone, Charlotte and I have decided to end our relationship and we remain good friends,” Leclerc wrote on social media.
“We have shared so many great moments and she is and always will be a very special person to me.
“She is amazing and deserves the best, please respect our decision and her privacy in a time like this.
“Thank you.”
Sine released a similar message onto her social media accounts, where she added on Leclerc’s comment asking for “respect” and “privacy”.
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“Hello, Charles and I have decided to end our relationship and stay good friends,” Sine said on social media.
“It’s been three beautiful years together with loads of memories. He is an amazing person and I wish him the best.
“Please respect our decision and privacy. Thank you.”