The Monegasque driver's fifth season in Formula 1 ended on a high with a second place finish in the final Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi!
The 2022 season ended on a high note! The year had begun brilliantly for Charles Leclerc, with victories in two of the first three races - in Bahrain and Australia – before things got a little more complicated, as a result of some strategy miscues and the flawless performances by the Red Bull team.
But the Ferrari driver can be justifiably proud of his three race wins, nine poles, and eleven podium finishes over the course of the 22 race season. And while the highlight will be the one-two finish alongside teamamate Carlos Sainz Jr in the opening race in March, Charles Leclerc closed out the season in style in the United Arab Emirates, snatching second spot in the standings from Sergio Perez to become the world vice-champion.
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The Monegasque was keen to emphasise the progress made this year: "It's been a difficult season. Emotionally, there have been highs and lows. But taking a step back, 2022 has been a good season. We tend to forget where we started from last year. We've actually taken a big step forward."
Next year, La Scuderia and Charles Leclerc will be fighting for Ferrari's first title since Kimi Räikkönen took the crown in 2007.
And Charles is not the only Leclerc with racing in his blood. After two seasons in F3 with three wins this year and a sixth place finish overall, Arthur Leclerc is moving up a category into F2, where he will drive for French team DAMS. A member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, Arthur Leclerc will no doubt be meeting his big brother in the paddocks next season.
And hopefully, we can look forward to some family showdowns in Formula 1 in a few years time!
©AFP / ACM-Philippe Magoni/ACM-Michael Alesi/getty images/Dutch Photo Agency