Doornbos Doubts Leclerc's World Champion Potential

Robert Doornbos Casts Doubt on Charles Leclerc’s Championship Credentials

Former F1 driver Robert Doornbos has raised doubts about Charles Leclerc’s ability to clinch a World Championship, questioning his mental toughness and comparing him unfavourably to the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.

“Leclerc Lacks Ruthlessness,” Claims Doornbos

Doornbos, known for his candid assessments, suggests that Leclerc is missing the grit and assertiveness required to dominate in Formula 1. In an interview, the Dutchman pointed to Leclerc’s handling of pressure and his relationship with Ferrari engineers as areas of concern.

“Leclerc doesn’t strike me as a tough competitor when I look at the mistakes he makes and the way he interacts with his engineers,” Doornbos remarked. “If Ferrari builds the best car next year, Hamilton would eat him alive.”

Drawing comparisons with Hamilton and Verstappen, Doornbos emphasised their ability to impose their will on their teams and take control of situations. This, he believes, sets them apart from Leclerc, who has yet to demonstrate the same level of decisiveness on and off the track.

A Troubling Track Record for Leclerc

Despite being regarded as one of the fastest drivers on the grid, Leclerc’s performance record with Ferrari leaves much to be desired. Since joining the team in 2019, the Monégasque has secured just five race victories. Meanwhile, his teammate Carlos Sainz has recently outshone him, claiming two wins in challenging circumstances, including overcoming health issues.

Leclerc’s reputation as a strong qualifier hasn’t translated into consistent success in races, raising questions about his ability to convert speed into championship-calibre performances.

Rosberg Weighs In on Leclerc vs. Hamilton

Adding to the debate, 2016 World Champion Nico Rosberg shared his thoughts on Leclerc’s temperament and how it might influence a potential partnership with Hamilton at Ferrari. Speaking on Sky Sports F1, Rosberg suggested that Leclerc’s more laid-back nature could help him avoid the teammate conflicts that often arise with Hamilton.

“We’re all waiting to see how that dynamic would play out,” Rosberg said. “Charles doesn’t seem like someone who thrives on conflict with his teammates, which could make things easier.”

Rosberg did, however, acknowledge Leclerc’s talent in qualifying. “Charles is probably the second-best qualifier on the grid after Max Verstappen at the moment. If they were teammates, it would be a tough battle between them, and the competition would be fascinating to watch.”

Key Takeaways

Doornbos’ Critique: Leclerc is seen as lacking the mental toughness and assertiveness of Hamilton and Verstappen.
Underwhelming Ferrari Tenure: Leclerc has only five wins with Ferrari, while Sainz has recently outperformed him.
Potential Hamilton Partnership: Rosberg predicts a less combative dynamic between Leclerc and Hamilton if they were to team up.
Outstanding Qualifying Talent: Leclerc is regarded as one of the best qualifiers on the grid, second only to Verstappen.

With the 2024 season on the horizon, Leclerc faces increasing scrutiny over his ability to rise to the challenge and deliver a championship-worthy campaign. Whether he can silence his critics remains to be seen.