𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬

𝐑𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞 - 𝐊𝐫𝐲𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐭. 𝟐

"You pushed me off the fucking track." 

-

Australia 2025

The off-season seemed to fly by for the Monegasque. Each day was packed with rigorous training and meticulous study of his new vehicle, the RB20. It wasn't just about getting used to the car; it was about learning how to master it, in the way that Max had managed to do so in all his years with Redbull. 

Charles immersed himself in data analysis, spent countless hours in the simulator, and refined his driving techniques to adapt to the minor nuances of the RB20. 

It was a masterclass of a vehicle, hitting some bumps in the second half of the 2024 season but still managing to prevail with a dominant driver like Max at the helm. Christian was certain that they had ironed out the issues that held them back last year.

While testing the new engine that Redbull was preparing for the season, Charles ran into some settings he did not understand. Usually he would hit up his teammate Carlos, who was always willing to talk strategy, at least to a degree. 

Max on the other hand, a completely different story. Charles hasn't seen him for almost a week, and the monegasque is smart enough to know that the dutchman would be of no help. 

So he decided to reach out to his engineer instead, who helped Charles make better sense of the new controls on his steering wheel. 

Before he knew it, the team was preparing for FP1 in Australia. 

Albert Park was definitely a top track for Ferrari back in 2024, with Carlos taking his first and only win of the season at this circuit, with Charles behind him in P2. It was a track that Leclerc was confident to race at yet again. 

Ferrari's victory here was of course shadowed by the fact that Max had to cut his race short due to a brake malfunction. It was still a win for Ferrari regardless of how it happened. 

"Could it be any hotter?" Charles asked his PR manager as they walked to the Redbull paddock. 

"I hope not, if you are complaining of the temperature now, it's going to be absolute hell in that suit." His manager replied as they reached the paddock.

Charles thought he was used to the media with Ferrari, but with his new position as a driver of the team considered to be number 1, he was in for a treat. 

The moment the pair reached the paddock entrance, Charles was surrounded by cameras and reporters begging for the monegasque to stop and answer a question or two. 

His manager patted his back, signaling that the driver should stop and give in to the media's wants. Charles is new here, and even though he is an experienced driver, has to prove he can take the scrutiny of being a Redbull driver, and all that comes with it. 

"Charles, how are you adjusting to life with Red Bull?" one reporter shouted over the noise.

"It's been a whirlwind..." Charles replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "I'm excited about the new challenges and opportunities. The team has been fantastic, and I'm looking forward to the season ahead." 

Another reporter chimed in, "How does the RB20 feel compared to the Ferrari you were used to?"

"It's definitely a different experience" Charles replied. "The RB20 has a lot of potential, and we're working hard to get the most out of it. Every car has its own character, and it's been a great learning curve so far."