‘You’re next!’ – Leclerc urges Gasly to pop the question

Charles Leclerc admitted on Thursday in Sao Paulo that it’s been a “special week” after announcing his engagement to longtime partner Alexandra Saint Mleux – and now, the Ferrari star is turning the spotlight on his good friend Pierre Gasly.

During today’s FIA press conference ahead of this weekend’s race at Interlagos, Leclerc couldn’t resist teasing Gasly, urging the Alpine driver to take the next big step in his own relationship.

“Easy! (laughs). Yeah, Pierre, I think Pierre,” Leclerc said with a grin when asked which driver he thought should get engaged next. “I need to put him under a bit of pressure. We grew up together. You’re next.”

The two have been close since their karting days, and Leclerc’s good-natured jab had Gasly smiling beside him – though the Frenchman didn’t reveal whether his friend’s challenge would be accepted anytime soon.

A Week Full of Emotions

Leclerc shared the news of his engagement on social media earlier this week, posting several photos of himself, Saint Mleux, and their dog Leo. Reflecting on the milestone, he said the moment was one filled with joy and emotion.

“I mean I am very, very happy,” he said. “It was a special week. It was full of emotions. “It’s obviously a very special moment for anyone to do that step. Alex and I are incredibly happy.”

The Monegasque driver also paid tribute to his fiancée for her steadfast support throughout his Formula 1 career.

“Incredibly engaged. Not technically, of course, but as all of us,” Leclerc explained. “We’re all human and I think we’re all supported by the people that are closest to us.

“Alex is the closest person that I have with my family, obviously. They live the career just like we do basically – the ups and the downs. They support us in the best possible way.

“Alex has done that since the very first day I met her. She’s definitely an important part of my life but also my career and the way you manage the ups and downs.”

Eyes on the Task at hand, Feet on the Ground

Leclerc heads into the Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend with carrying momentum after two consecutive podium finishes – including second place in Mexico – but remains realistic about Ferrari’s chances this weekend.

“Let’s say we come here neutral,” he said. “Just like we’ve approached the last few races. I think it’s important for us not to get carried away by the positive results we’ve had in Mexico and Austin.

“We know that it was thanks to perfect execution from the Friday to the Sunday and that’s extremely difficult to do, and probably even more so when conditions are so difficult to predict like always the case here in Brazil.

“We will just focus on the job like we’ve done. It paid off in the last two weekends and I hope it does this weekend. We have no guarantees and we don’t have the pace of McLaren or Red Bull.

“Mercedes can be very strong in some weekends, some others less, but that doesn’t depend on us. We will just have to focus on what we do best and then we will see how it goes.”

Read also: Leclerc engaged to Alexandra Saint Mleux – with a little help from Leo

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