Charles Leclerc has been one of the most exciting drivers on the Formula 1 grid since he made his debut in 2018. He has shown flashes of brilliance with stunning pole laps and race wins, but he has also made several mistakes that have cost him valuable points and positions on the track.
This season, Leclerc's 'win or bust' mentality has been on full display, leading to several incidents, including the crashes in Miami. While he is undoubtedly one of the fastest drivers on the grid, his lack of consistency is holding him back from mounting a serious challenge for the championship.
In Miami, Leclerc had a difficult weekend, crashing in practice and qualifying before finishing where he started in seventh place. It was another frustrating result for the Ferrari driver, who was fighting for the championship this time last year.
Leclerc's mistakes are not new. He crashed out in Baku in Q2 in 2019 when pole position was on the cards, and he crashed in Imola last year while fighting for the win. He also had a pivotal crash from the lead in France. While some of these incidents can be attributed to car issues or external factors, it's clear that Leclerc's driving style is also to blame.
Leclerc is known for being on the edge, pushing his car to its limits to extract every last bit of performance. While this approach can lead to stunning results, it can also lead to costly mistakes. In a car that isn't as fast as the Red Bull this year, Leclerc may be searching for lap time that just isn't there.
To continue fighting for the championship, Leclerc needs to balance his natural speed with staying consistent. He is undoubtedly one of the best drivers on the grid, but what distinguishes champions like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton is their ability to perform at a consistently high level.
Leclerc's inconsistency is not just limited to race incidents. He has also struggled in practice sessions, making needless mistakes that can affect his performance over the course of a weekend. It's essential for Leclerc to dial back his "win or bust" mentality and focus on improving his consistency.
As former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer wrote in his column:
"It’s not easy for Leclerc to just dial out the last 1% of hustle. It’s in his driving DNA – he’s always been on the edge...Maybe there are times where he can take some risk out...whilst keeping some of his attacking spirit when the time is right."
Leclerc has bemoaned the 2023 Ferrari as being inconsistent with balance, overly wind-sensitive, and overall tricky to drive. While these issues may be valid, Leclerc's driving also needs to be questioned. As a top driver, he needs to take responsibility for his mistakes and work on improving his consistency.
If Leclerc can reset his expectations and find that balance between speed and consistency, he will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with on the grid. His natural talent and speed are undeniable, but it's time for him to focus on the bigger picture. Only then will he be able to compete with the likes of Verstappen and Hamilton for the top spot on the podium.
