Charles Leclerc Fastest Driver in F1? Pundit Makes Bold Claim

Renowned former Formula 1 driver turned television pundit, Karun Chandhok, has expressed his belief that Charles Leclerc of Ferrari currently holds the title of the fastest driver in Formula 1. Leclerc’s exceptional natural speed and consistent performance have earned him this distinction, impressively outshining his teammates and top contenders in recent years.

Since joining Ferrari in 2019, Leclerc has displayed remarkable talent and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Outperforming the experienced four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel in identical machinery, Leclerc’s innate speed has been widely acknowledged within the paddock.

The Monégasque driver has also demonstrated his abilities alongside the highly regarded Carlos Sainz, who joined Ferrari in 2021, replacing Vettel. In the 2022 Drivers’ standings, Leclerc finished a commendable 62 points ahead of his teammate, showcasing his consistent performance and skill on the track.

Despite securing just five victories in the iconic red of Ferrari, Leclerc has remarkably clinched 19 pole positions since 2019. His most recent pole position came during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he claimed two separate poles, including the one in the newly introduced Shootout session.

Leclerc’s exceptional display at Baku, where Ferrari had previously struggled to challenge for top grid positions in the 2023 season, has further solidified Chandhok’s conviction that the 25-year-old driver has surpassed the likes of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton as the quickest driver in Formula 1 today.

Expressing his opinion during an interview with Sky Sports F1, Chandhok stated, “I genuinely think over one lap he is now the fastest driver in Formula 1.”

Leclerc’s ability to consistently extract the maximum performance from his car in qualifying sessions, coupled with his impressive racecraft, has undoubtedly contributed to his reputation as one of the sport’s most formidable talents.

As the Formula 1 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Charles Leclerc as he continues to showcase his exceptional speed and skill on the track. With Chandhok’s endorsement as the fastest driver in the sport, the young Monégasque has undoubtedly cemented his position as a rising star in the world of Formula 1.