“I want to fight for first place in 2022” – With inconsistent performances this year, Charles Leclerc already has his eyes set on the next Formula 1 season.

The Monegasque hopes to shine for a long time to come with Ferrari. Ferrari’s last world championship title is already a long time ago. The last time the Scuderia triumphed was in 2007, when Finland’s Kimi Räikkönen won.

For Charles Leclerc, who has been with the team since 2019, the objective is to bring Ferrari back to the forefront. With a sixth place in the overall standings this season, the Monegasque seems a long way from the battle between Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. In the constructors’ standings, Ferrari is in fourth place, also ahead of McLaren. For Charles Leclerc, the 2022 season will be the opportunity to reverse the trend in Formula 1.

In an interview with the Beyond the Grid podcast, Charles Leclerc spoke about his future ambitions:

“The focus is on 2022 and I think that’s clear to everyone. 2022 will be a huge opportunity for everyone. These new cars will be around for many years after that.

“This year we are still fighting with McLaren for third place in the constructors’ standings, but at the end of the day we know that our goal is to fight for first place very soon and that will be from 2022 onwards and not this year.

“So I would be happy to give up the third constructors’ position in 2021 to fight for the first place in 2022.

“Finish my career at Ferrari? Of course I would, but I would be even happier if we start winning again, because that’s what matters, and I know that’s what matters to the whole team as well.”