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- Leclerc has deleted social media apps<\/strong> to reduce his exposure to negativity surrounding Ferrari.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Speaking at Sepang, he criticised repeated speculation about team principal Fred Vasseur.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Ferrari driver insists the team\u2019s attention must remain on improving its car.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Charles Leclerc has explained how he limits his exposure to the noise surrounding Ferrari, having deleted social media applications from his phone<\/strong>. Speaking at Sepang on Thursday, the Formula 1<\/a> driver also condemned speculation about Fred Vasseur\u2019s future, insisting the team principal retains his support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The decision to remove the apps predates this week\u2019s controversy. Leclerc had already discussed it earlier in September, explaining that distancing himself from online negativity helped him concentrate on his driving during a difficult spell in the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn those very difficult moments, I had no social media on my phone. I didn\u2019t want to hear about anything,\u201d Leclerc explained previously. motorsport.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
At Sepang, his concern extended beyond his own response to criticism. Leclerc believes persistent speculation consumes time and attention inside Ferrari<\/strong>, where the priority should be developing a more competitive car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leclerc says Vasseur\u2019s support was never in doubt<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Questions about Vasseur intensified after Christian Horner described Ferrari as his dream destination. Ferrari subsequently reiterated its confidence in its current leadership, a position covered in GRANDE PR\u00caMIO\u2019s<\/strong> report on the team\u2019s backing for Vasseur<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Leclerc, that intervention clarified Ferrari\u2019s position publicly rather than changing anything within the organisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think there was never any doubt inside the team that he has all of our support,\u201d Leclerc said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Monegasque highlighted both his relationship with Vasseur and the Frenchman\u2019s ability to lead the team. His endorsement concerned the value he believes Vasseur brings to Ferrari\u2019s future, as well as their personal trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always said how much I trust Fred and how important he is for the team. We have a very special relationship,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"F1](\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/f1-2026-espanha-corrida-ferrari-charles-leclerc-01-1024x576.jpg\")
Charles Leclerc (Photo: F1)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Ferrari needs its attention on performance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Leclerc\u2019s objection is that repeated rumours interfere with the collective effort required at Maranello. Discussions about leadership can draw employees away from the work needed to close Ferrari\u2019s performance deficit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He accepts that criticism comes with competing for Ferrari, but believes the recurring speculation has become disrespectful towards people working to improve the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFred, just like all of us on the team, pushes himself to the limit,\u201d Leclerc said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
His defence of Vasseur does not mean Ferrari\u2019s shortcomings should be ignored.<\/strong> Leclerc also acknowledged at Sepang that the team must improve across several areas: its deficit involves chassis and aerodynamics as well as engine performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Formula 1 returns this weekend, from 2\u20134 October, to Malaysia, which hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix. GRANDE PR\u00caMIO<\/strong> will cover all the action at Sepang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
F1 today: FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What time is F1 qualifying at Sepang?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Qualifying starts on Saturday, 3 October, at 16:00 Malaysia time. That is 09:00 BST in the UK, 04:00 EDT in New York and Toronto, 01:00 PDT in Los Angeles and Vancouver, 13:30 IST in India and 18:00 AEST in Sydney. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did Lewis Hamilton receive a grid penalty for the Bortoleto incident?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n