Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc believes that Formula champions Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton in particular remain the big favourites of this 2020 season.
The 2020 F1 season hasn’t started yet due to the coronavirus crisis, but according to Leclerc, there will be no surprise the day the sport takes over and Hamilton will still be man to beat.
“I hope it will still be a fair World Championship, even with fewer races, and if it is me who wins, I will be very happy,” Leclerc said.
“But I am pretty sure Mercedes and Lewis will still be the favourites. But I will risk more on track with risky strategies and risky overtakes, and maybe it will pay off.” Leclerc added.
When asked what he thinks of the performance level of his SF1000 after six days of testing in Barcelona this winter, the Monegasque admitted that Ferrari has not had its best winter tests.
“I think we suffered a bit during these pre-season testing and we will have to see if we can catch up. I don’t know, but last year we made good progress over the year.” Leclerc said.
“It will be difficult for everyone anyway, because once the championship starts, there will be no more opportunity to develop the car and we could not develop it before the closure of the factories so the track work will be very important, even more than in recent years.” Leclerc added.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, F1 has been cancelled to nine races so far. At this stage, it is currently unknown when the definitive first race of the 2020 F1 season will be.
“I do miss being in the F1 car, I definitely do. I really hope we’ll anytime soon come back in the car but for now I think everyone’s health needs to be okay before we restart. But I think it’s great, we’ve seen quite a lot of racing drivers, including myself, on simulator racing.” Leclerc said.
“Of course, it’s not the same as the reality, but at least it keeps us busy, entertains the fans of Formula 1 in a different way and to wait for the real races. I think it’s a great idea.” he added.
