Leclerc’s praise for Vasseur did not end there. Later in the session, Leclerc again addressed the rumors about Vasseur’s tenure, as well as the environment and “hype” around the team with Lewis Hamilton’s arrival.

Charles Leclerc has hailed Fred Vasseur’s “vision” and cold-blooded approach after the Ferrari team principal was handed a new contract following speculation about his future.

“What?!” Leclerc replied to his race engineer, Bryan Bozzi, after being told the result. He laughed to himself afterwards: “Mamma mia. My God!” The bemusement initially hidden by Leclerc’s helmet remained etched on his face after he hopped out of his car and celebrated with his team.