Jun.24 (GMM) Jean Alesi has rejected suggestions that Charles Leclerc is heading down the same frustrating path he experienced himself at Ferrari.
The legendary former Ferrari driver was asked by Italian journalist Leo Turrini whether Leclerc is suffering from an ‘Alesi syndrome’ – adored by fans but destined never to win a world championship.
“No, not at all,” the 62-year-old told Quotidiano Nazionale.
“The comparison doesn’t hold up.”
Alesi acknowledged one similarity between the pair.
“I arrived in Maranello during a period of technical crisis, so much so that my great friend Michael (Schumacher), a giant, didn’t win straight away,” he said.
“Leclerc went through a similar situation.”
Unlike himself, however, Alesi believes the Monegasque has already established his credentials.
“He doesn’t have to prove anything,” he said. “He’s a top driver and he’s proven it.”
Alesi also pointed to Leclerc’s recent long-term contract extension amid growing scrutiny following Lewis Hamilton’s Barcelona victory and Ferrari’s reported decision to focus development around the seven-time world champion.
“The fact that he decided to extend his contract shows that Charles believes in the technical project,” said Alesi.
“He saw something that gives him confidence.”
Asked whether Leclerc’s recent slump is partly the result of Hamilton’s resurgence, Alesi said the Briton’s return to form should not have come as a surprise.
“Lewis certainly hadn’t forgotten how to drive,” he smiled.
“I was happy with his victory in Barcelona. I know how much it meant.”
Then, joking about Hamilton’s first Ferrari win, he added: “Hamilton has caught up with me. At Ferrari, we’re one to one, in terms of success!”
But while optimistic about Ferrari’s future, Alesi does not think the Maranello team can overhaul Mercedes this year despite its recent gains.
“Ferrari has a very good project, it’s competitive, but it’s inferior to Mercedes,” he said. “You won’t catch the Silver Arrows this year.
“You can win a few races, that’s for sure. But the title is out of reach.”
Instead, Alesi believes championship leader Kimi Antonelli remains the clear favourite.
“The guy is too strong,” he said. “Russell isn’t a steady guy.
“I like him, but on race pace, Kimi beats him. In a race, Kimi is an animal!”
Alesi also voiced support for Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur.
“Fred has experience,” he said. “But he needs to be able to carry on with his work. Ferrari has changed too much, too often.”