Leclerc on his own mentality: "I make mistakes because of my killer instinct"

Charles Leclerc believes his own mentality which has helped him gain so much success in the past, might be a weakness at times in Formula 1. Leclerc's first season at Ferrari can be deemed a success, particularly after it was punctuated with a mega-contract extension. But his debut year in red didn't go without mistakes. 

Leclerc crashed out in the wet German Grand Prix, a qualifying crash in Azerbaijan and an incident in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix are three examples that come rushing back to the mind. 

However, he immediately showed why he is seen as the future world champion. He defeated his more experienced teammate Sebastian Vettel, making him the future of Ferrari for years to come.

Killer instinct

Some of the mistakes might be put down to Leclerc pushing a little bit too hard at the wrong times. Leclerc explains his killer instinct which means he always wants to be first. He goes on to explain how this can be an advantage but sometimes can come back to bite. 

“As soon as I’m in the car I have that killer instinct, yes. I don’t want to finish second or third, fourth or fifth; those places don’t matter. I think it’s a strength but it can also be a weakness. Some of the mistakes I’ve done this year are part of this mentality because I gave it all in moments that I could have just taken less," Leclerc told Motorsport Magazine. 

"Not everyone will like me, but it’s the way I am. This mentality has some positive aspects but can hurt in some other moments. I need to control it. With experience it will come.”