Rosberg: Vettel will struggle to beat Leclerc
Charles Leclerc's arrival at Ferrari will be one of the most fascinating aspects of the 2019 season.
That is the view of 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg, referring to the fact that Sebastian Vettel will be joined at Ferrari next year by the 21-year-old youngster.
Many think that with his friend Kimi Raikkonen leaving, Vettel will be hard pressed to fend off Leclerc's challenge in 2019.
"I'll switch on the TV just to see the fight between the two Ferrari guys," German Rosberg told Italy's Autosprint.
"Leclerc is so strong. And Vettel is coming out of a difficult year. He will have to remain very focused and give his all if he wants to remain the Ferrari leader.
"Leclerc is not Raikkonen," Rosberg added. "It puts a lot of pressure on him."
In fact, Rosberg thinks Vettel-Leclerc reminds him of the explosive Alonso-Hamilton combination of 2007 at McLaren.
"In some ways it's like the revival of that but with some differences. Vettel is not as difficult as Alonso while Leclerc is not a warrior like Lewis," he said.
But Rosberg thinks the biggest problem for Vettel could be his inability to change his approach in order to fend off the Leclerc challenge.
"If you have too much confidence in your abilities, as he does sometimes, you're not ready to change that attitude," he said. "That's what I suspect of him. That he is not capable of modifying his approach."
✅ Check out more posts with related topics:
Vital is no slouch. he will do what as to be done.
Well i do hope so its not the car the Ferrari is the faster I still in the end 2018 kimmy was a better then vettel so i do hope the new boy ia as good Max Vespasian to drive that Ferrari and win win same as Michel 7 time in a row
Then ,It will be v. Interesting races. Wow ,I can not wait to see Leclerc,Vettle,Hamilton,Veradtapen and propably Bottas, Ricardo and Gasly.
Over the hill no commitment too old never gets the best from the car,Dropped for a young blood,
WHO!!you may ask 18 podiums in the season 3rd in championship.Answer KIMI.
2019 SAUBER+FERRARI+KIMI N0 team orders .Please if i am dreaming DONT!!! wake me .This is a plot of magic man/Machine foot to the floor (DONT TALK TO ME) Come on F1 fans join in and enjoy the dream too.Happy Ne Year to you all.
Kubica
Robert Kubisa is in a different position. HE has the talent and the mind set,BUT will not have the car to showcase what he is truly capable of,sad but true Iike many other fans i wish him well in 2019.
Trully agree, it will be fun to watch. Acctually, it has all ingredients to be one of the best F1 seasons in years. As Rosberg said, Vettel come from a bad ending year in 2018, and need to re-afirm his position of #1 driver. Leclerc in the other hand, will start as the new fast gun, principally after good performances in 2018. Mercedes is said that will come with a new PU, and Red Bull will have a good taste (I hope) with new Honda power. In the midlefield, Sauber still making good cars, and with Kimi, will probably create a huge headache for many in ghe midlefield. Haas have a good base, and its connection to Ferrari via Alfa will help a lot. Old Force India (what is the name now???) has creating good cars for years, principally with the management of the tires. And Toro Rosso (beatiful car in 2018), goes for the 2nd year with Honda, and should collect better results this year from both, Honda and Red Bull. McLaren cannot go bad again this year, it will be a shame if that happens, but will also be fun to see if they somehow get behind Toro Rosso.Renault should be there, and now with Ricciardo try to get near the top 6, but will probably be a good contender in the midle positions, that already has Hulkenberg. The last position goes to the now slowlly Williams. Will it be able to advance from last position? How is it possible to fall down so baddly? Management?!? Anyway, it will be fun to watch.
✅ Checkout the latest 50 F1 Fans comments.