2023 F1 Season Top 10 Drivers Report: 5. Charles Leclerc's Performance
Charles Leclerc's 2023 Formula 1 season was a blend of highs and lows, marked by a series of mechanical setbacks and a few driver errors that ultimately led to a fifth-place finish in the drivers' standings. Despite these challenges, Leclerc showcased his skills, especially in qualifying, where he consistently outperformed his Ferrari teammate, Carlos Sainz. His performance was a testament to both his driving prowess and his resilience in the face of adversity.
Season Highlights
Leclerc's season kicked off with a series of disappointing results, largely attributed to mechanical issues. However, a significant turnaround was witnessed at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Leclerc secured pole position and finished third, marking his 25th career podium. This race was a pivotal moment in the season, showcasing Ferrari's improved performance and Leclerc's exceptional driving under pressure.
Further successes followed, with Charles Leclerc achieving second place in the Austrian Grand Prix and another podium finish at the Belgian Grand Prix. These results demonstrated his ability to maximize the car's performance, even when competing against more dominant teams like Red Bull Racing. The Las Vegas Grand Prix was probably his best race. In this GP he was able to really fight the dominating Bull's and even drove in the lead of the race for a while. Leclerc's pass on Pérez in the last lap at 354 km/h, showed his extraordinary skill and talent.
Teammate Comparison and Season Statistics
Leclerc's season was characterized by his battle with teammate Carlos Sainz. While both drivers faced similar challenges with the car, Leclerc edged out Sainz in the final standings, finishing fifth with 206 points compared to Sainz's seventh place with 200 points. This close competition within Ferrari highlighted the pair's comparable skill levels and the internal dynamics at Ferrari.
In terms of season statistics, Leclerc completed the season with 0 wins, 3 second-place finishes, 3 third-place finishes, 6 podiums in total, and 5 pole positions. He completed 1147 laps throughout the season, with an average point score of 9.36 per race.
| Statistic | Charles Leclerc | Carlos Sainz |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Prix (GP) | 22 | 22 |
| 1st Places | 0 | 1 |
| 2nd Places | 3 | 0 |
| 3rd Places | 3 | 2 |
| Podiums | 6 | 3 |
| Pole Positions | 5 | 2 |
| Laps Completed | 1147 | 1246 |
| Fastest Laps (FL) | 0 | 0 |
| Did Not Finish | 4 | 1 |
| Total Points | 206 | 200 |
Low Point of the Season
The low point of Leclerc's season was arguably the initial string of races, where mechanical issues significantly hampered his performance. These early-season setbacks put Leclerc at a disadvantage in the championship standings, making it challenging for him to compete for the title against the likes of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
Conclusion
Charles Leclerc's 2023 season was a testament to his skill as a driver. Despite facing numerous challenges, he demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, particularly in qualifying. His performance relative to his teammate Carlos Sainz further cements his status as one of the top drivers in Formula 1. As Ferrari continues to refine their car and strategy, Leclerc's future seasons hold great promise for potentially even more impressive achievements.
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