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Formula 1: 5 drivers set for a big 2020 season

By William Dodds

SUZUKA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 10: Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing and Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari look on in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on October 10, 2019 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
SUZUKA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 10: Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing and Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari look on in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on October 10, 2019 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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SUZUKA, JAPAN – OCTOBER 11: Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Scuderia Ferrari SF90 (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)
SUZUKA, JAPAN – OCTOBER 11: Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Scuderia Ferrari SF90 (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images) /

1. Charles Leclerc

From young prodigy who can’t stop apologizing to seasoned race winner who will do whatever it takes, Charles Leclerc has had quite a first season at Ferrari.

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The 22-year-old was consigned to number two driver status at the start of the year, but his qualifying speed and overtaking skill has seen him lay down the gauntlet to four-time world champion teammate Sebastian Vettel. With four races to go, Leclerc is 11 points clear of the German and only recently had his run of nine consecutive weekends outqualifying Vettel ended.

With Ferrari now clearly the fastest car in qualifying, Leclerc will hope the Maranello team can continue their development into next season. Ferrari looked fastest in preseason testing this year, but they started the season off behind Mercedes.

However, since the summer break, they have taken a significant step forward. If the advantage they have now remains at Melbourne next year, Leclerc will likely be favorite to take the world championship.

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While Leclerc’s driving is by no means perfect, evidenced by his first-lap collision with Max Verstappen in Japan, his ability to learn and adapt has been really impressive for a driver of his age. He will need to stay on top of his game to keep ahead of Vettel, but if he can go into next season as Ferrari’s number one driver, he will be in a very strong position indeed.

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