MAY 15, 2018

Leclerc a future champion says Pujolar

Charles Leclerc is "definitely" world champion material.

Charles Leclerc is "definitely" world champion material.

That is the view of Xevi Pujolar, an experienced engineer who works with the Monaco-born rookie at Sauber.

"He is a potential champion. Definitely," he told El Mundo Deportivo newspaper.

"The way he is very demanding with himself, I've seen in other drivers like him. He does everything to the maximum and until he does he's not happy. And he wants the same from those around him.

"They're the kind of people who ultimately win because they're always looking for their limits," Pujolar added.

"He has many things I have seen in other great drivers, but I prefer not to compare. What I can say is that if the car improves he would do great results."

Leclerc, 20, is a Ferrari junior driver and tipped for a future at the Italian team.

Asked if he would win in a winning car, Pujolar answered: "Yes.

"Ok, at some of the first races he made mistakes, but that's normal. You arrive from Formula 2 where you've won everything and find that everyone is a champion.

"So at the beginning it's a shock. You think 'How is that driver as fast as me?' But once this type of driver knows how to regulate their potential, everything starts to happen.

"Sauber is the best place he could have started in F1," he added.

(GMM)