Baku, Azerbaijan — Charles Leclerc met with the media in the Baku City Circuit paddock ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix, exuding enthusiasm for one of his favorite tracks. “Just like every street circuit, this is also one of my favourites,” he shared with a broad smile. Leclerc’s excitement is palpable, though he remains grounded in his approach: “Let’s hope we can maintain the good form we showed in Monza a fortnight ago, but we know it’s best not to make any predictions, at least until after we have been on track for free practice.”
A Thrill for Risk-Takers
Leclerc’s admiration for street circuits, particularly Baku, stems from the unique challenges they present. “There’s an element of risk that I find very intriguing,” he explained. For the Monegasque driver, navigating the tight and unforgiving barriers of a street circuit offers a special kind of thrill. “You have to gain confidence little by little, doing as many laps as possible to find the limit. This means considering the track surface, the car’s characteristics, and the general state of the track.”
The process of pushing the limits on such tracks is both stimulating and gradual for Leclerc. Despite his car’s apparent suitability for Baku, he remains cautious about making any firm predictions before the teams have had a chance to gauge their competitors’ pace. “It’s impossible to say if we’ll be ahead or behind before we see what our competitors’ pace is like,” he noted. “Once again, we must concentrate on ourselves and on how we execute the whole weekend. If we can maintain the level we demonstrated in Zandvoort and Monza, I expect us to be competitive.”
Looking Towards the Future
As the season progresses, Leclerc’s focus is firmly on consistent performance. “Once again, a lot will depend on us and how we tackle the rest of the season, race by race,” he said. The Ferrari driver is optimistic about the team’s mindset and preparation. “I think we have the right mentality in the team at the moment and we have to continue like this. With so many cars at the same level, honestly, there is still everything to play for.”
As the Baku GP approaches, Leclerc’s blend of excitement and careful strategy highlights his readiness to embrace the challenges ahead while keeping a keen eye on both his own performance and that of his rivals.
