Leclerc recalls memorable letter once received from Vettel

Charles Leclerc says he once received a letter from Sebastian Vettel, well before his graduation to F1, that made his day.

Leclerc and Vettel spent two seasons alongside each other at Ferrari and while the pair suffered a few flash points along the way, the two drivers enjoyed overall a harmonious and constructive working relationship.

In the past few months, ahead of Vettel's retirement, Leclerc has often paid tribute to the four-time world champion, emphasizing the valuable knowledge he gained from his experienced former Scuderia teammate and underscoring the German's impressive work ethic.

"We became team-mates in 2019 and 2020 also, where he has taught me really a lot," Leclerc said.

"We’ve had our tense moments on track, but the respect off the track has never changed and he’s always been there for me whenever I had difficult times.

"And that was very different to what I was used to with my previous team-mates.

"Obviously, in Formula 1 it’s normal, there’s inner competition inside the team but he has always been super caring and trying to help me whenever I was going through more difficult times."

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But Leclerc also recalled a moment in time in during his championship winning campaign with Prema in the 2017 FIA Formula 2 Championship.

As a member of Ferrari's Driver Academy, the young gun was often entrusted with F1 development work in the Scuderia's simulator in Maranello.

And Leclerc's productive efforts did not go unnoticed by Vettel.

"He’s been incredible," said Leclerc last month in Abu Dhabi on the eve of Vettel's last race in F1.

"I remember, already in Formula 2, I was doing the simulator work, which, okay, it’s not easy work to do.

"It’s really, really tiring, and I thought that Seb probably didn’t even know I was on the simulator.

"And I received a letter one day, just thanking me for all the hard work. And that meant a lot for me at that time."

"He will definitely be missed. I’m sure that he will enjoy his time off the racetrack, and that he will find other things that makes him happy."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.