Already at an extremely high level, Leclerc has stepped up this year. His advantage over team-mate Sainz in qualifying, for example, has increased significantly. Last year, it was 11-7 to Leclerc in their head-to-head over the year, at an average advantage of 0.122 seconds; in 2022, it's 9-2 where a fair comparison is possible, at 0.187secs. So whether I'm fighting for the championship or not next year, this will be the new standard for me." And now the friendship and rivalries have moved on to the golf course. Leclerc, Albon and Norris play regularly. It's for fun and relaxation but, being elite sportsmen, they also want to beat each other. It seems an odd fit for F1 drivers, even if famously Nigel Mansell was a quality golfer. What's the appeal? But then I will keep this level of preparation for all the next years because I felt the benefits, when I didn't know the benefit before.

Charles Leclerc (Black Outfit) Cardboard Cutout - Celebrity Charles Leclerc (Black Outfit) Cardboard Cutout - Celebrity

Since then, 2022 has largely been a story of squandered opportunities for Ferrari. Leclerc has scored seven pole positions in 13 races - but only one further win. You know, what is the mindset that I had at that particular moment of the race that pushed me to go over the limit and do a mistake?

This lifesize cutout of Charles Leclerc captures the Formula 1 driver in a dashing smart suit. Whether you're an avid motorsport enthusiast or simply admire his talent, this cardboard cutout allows fans to bring the thrill of Formula 1 into their own spaces. He admits that the title looks "more and more difficult" but says "until it's mathematically over, then I still want to believe in it. This is what gives me the motivation". I used to say no, but I think it is. I think part of it is because when you know you have the car to fight for a world title, then you try to cure all the details.

Cardboard Cutouts - Lifesize Cardboard Cutouts - Starstills Cardboard Cutouts - Lifesize Cardboard Cutouts - Starstills

Imagine the excitement of having Charles Leclerc's lifelike image in your room, game den, or event. It makes a captivating centrepiece that will elevate the atmosphere.I really feel like this first part of the season has been my strongest in F1 and I think the way I have worked," Leclerc says, "and the way we have worked as a team - in terms of finding the right set-up, in terms of building up to the qualifying lap in Q3, or just preparing the race - has been the best I have ever done in F1.

Charles Leclerc (Smile) Big Head - Celebrity Cardboard Cutouts Charles Leclerc (Smile) Big Head - Celebrity Cardboard Cutouts

After two very difficult years where whatever we were doing it was quite frustrating because you'll never get the result that you wanted, now we have the possibility to get the result that we want. So it's good." Racing against Verstappen Leclerc and Verstappen have fought closely this season without ever crossing the line This high quality cutout has a fold out strut to the rear which means it's entirely self supporting. So there won't be any significant change. We just need to try and work as a team to put a weekend together for the nine remaining races and see where we end up."But whenever I go through this tough time, I go through the same process as I was saying before, trying to analyse what was wrong. And it's mostly mentally.