Charles Leclerc has been labelled as an “impulsive” figure by Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur, who admits that it’s more appropriate to “calm down before speaking”.
Leclerc and Ferrari have endured a mixed start to the 2023 season, which began with two retirements in the opening three races.
He’s been playing catch up ever since and has “pushed more than he should” as a result, something which has led to unnecessary mistakes.
Leclerc infamously crashed at the same corner twice during the Miami Grand Prix, simply due to having pushed beyond the limits of the SF-23.
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The 25-year-old has also been very snappy and angry over the team radio at times this season, with his frustration having occasionally gotten the better of him.
However, Leclerc has learnt to manage Ferrari’s situation better over recent races, with him having claimed two podiums in the last four races.
Leclerc’s form is certainly improving, although Carlos Sainz is continuing to push him.
Whilst Leclerc has typically had the edge in the races, Sainz has been very close to his team-mate in qualifying.
Only seven points separate the two in the Drivers’ Championship, highlighting just how close they are.
In regard to Leclerc specifically though, Vasseur recognises that he is “very fast” but that he has a tendency to not “hold back”.
“You can always do better, as a team and also as drivers,” Vasseur told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Charles didn’t expect a season like this and at the start he pushed more than he should, now he seems to have digested the situation better. Carlos is very consistent and for this reason he’s a good reference for us.
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“As a character Leclerc is impulsive, if something doesn’t go well he doesn’t hold back. However, for his own good and that of the team, sometimes it’s better to calm down before speaking.
“In the heat you don’t have all the information you need to form a definitive judgement and in front of an open microphone it’s better to take your time.
“He’s always very fast, but this year if you look at qualifying Carlos was more up to him than in the past.”