There is a fascinating dichotomy at the heart of how Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc balances the exceptional demands of Formula One. It is more than simply being on it when the visor comes down and reveals why he is one of the sport’s most endearing and absorbing characters.

In a dominant victory at last week’s US Grand Prix, the 27-year-old Monegasque made it look easy. He is now in his seventh season, but when asked to consider his approach to F1, Leclerc pauses and thinks hard, perhaps aware his answer is not what many may expect in a sport that sells itself on its gladiatorial nature, the grand clashing of ego and attitude.

“The most important thing as a driver and a team is to be as emotionally flat as possible,” he says. “Whenever you have a very, very good race, you don’t get too much with it. When you have a very bad race, ...
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