10 SEASONS OF FORMULA 2: Charles Leclerc on being the first ever champion and being prepared for F1

2017 champion Charles Leclerc reflects on his time in the championship as we celebrate 10 seasons of Formula 2

As we continue to celebrate 10 seasons of Formula 2, we are talking to some of our alumni to look back on their time in the championship.

Today is 2017 champion, Charles Leclerc’s turn to talk about his time in the second tier, as he reflects on his favourite victory, off-track memory and much more.

HOW DID F2 PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR MOVE UP TO F1?

"Formula 2 prepared me in many ways. It was the first time in my career that I had pit stops, and you start thinking about strategy much more than before. Previously, the strategy was quite fixed, but this was probably the first time in my career that I really started to think about that aspect of racing, which is super interesting.

"On top of that, it’s the car that is the closest in terms of performance to a Formula 1 car, so you get to understand more about how aerodynamics affect degradation, the car, and everything around it."

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF F2 DRIVERS LOOKING TO MAKE IT TO F1?

"My advice is simple: just work hard. Work hard, go step by step, and push flat out."

Leclerc picked his victory in Abu Dhabi as his favourite win in F2

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE WIN, MOMENT AND OVERTAKE FROM YOUR TIME IN F2?

"Probably Abu Dhabi, in my last race in Formula 2. It was pretty special. The fight with Alex was very tight until the very last lap, and that is my favourite winning moment in Formula 2. That race also included my favourite overtake.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE OFF-TRACK MEMORY FROM YOUR TIME IN F2?

"I have quite a few great memories. I was teammates with Antonio Fuoco, who became a very close friend of mine, and I have so many memories from that first year with PREMA. It was a very special team and we all got on super well together."

Leclerc spoke about the importance of his time in F2 preparing him for Formula 1

HOW SPECIAL IS IT TO BE KNOWN AS THE FIRST EVER FIA FORMULA 2 CHAMPION?

"It feels very cool. I remember growing up, I always heard those engines from Formula 2 and always dreamt of being part of that championship.

"It only became Formula 2 once I arrived there, and it was incredible to be able to win that championship. It’s very special to be known as the first ever FIA Formula 2 Champion."

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