Leclerc will have “patience” amid Ferrari’s F1 recovery

Charles Leclerc says he is prepared to have “patience” during Ferrari’s recovery effort to return to competitiveness in Formula 1.

Ferrari has struggled throughout the 2020 F1 season so far having lost significance performance following a controversial engine settlement with the FIA over the winter.

The Italian outfit’s chairman John Elkann recently admitted it could be 2022 before Ferrari will be competitive again, while team principal Mattia Binotto warned it may take “years” for his outfit to return to winning ways.

Ferrari expects to struggle again at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix after recording its worst result in a decade in Belgium last time out.

Speaking ahead of the team’s home race at Monza, Leclerc insisted he is willing to be patient.

"Well, on one hand, I don't really have a choice,” Leclerc said.

"But yeah, surely it will take some patience and yes, I'm ready to wait.

"But it's also my job to try and make this whole process as short as possible and for us to come back where we deserve to be.

"So, it's not going to be easy. It will take time, but I'm ready for this. And my job is to give my best anyway in in every situation we are in."

Ferrari currently sits fifth in the constructors’ championship and is just two points clear of Renault. Either position would mark its worst campaign in F1 since 1981.

Leclerc, who signed a new deal to stay at Maranello until the end of 2024, explained his current focus is split between trying to lead Ferrari through its struggles and bracing for a regulation overhaul coming into force in 2022.

"Surely there's a bit of both in my head, but I think the most important for now is try to work out why we are struggling so much this year,” he said. “This will help the future anyway.

"So, I'm trying to work as hard as possible, like everyone does in the team to try and find the issues and have a solid basis for the for the years to come."