Exclusive – Louis Delétraz (F2): Charles Leclerc is paving a path for young drivers like me

His presence may seem discreet. Yet, Louis Delétraz is a promising hope for Swiss motorsport. A native of Geneva, the 21-year-old French speaker is competing in his second season in Formula 2. Vice-champion in Formula V8 3.5 in 2016, he is the son of Jean-Denis Delétraz, a former Formula 1 driver in the 1990s (three starts in 1994 and 1995), later converted to Endurance racing with nine participations in the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1995 and 2012. With 30 starts in Formula 2, Louis hopes to climb the remaining step to the premier category. He is currently with Charouz Racing System, a structure very close to Scuderia Ferrari, both in its livery and in the aerodynamic partnerships exchanged.

Louis, what is your perspective on the evolution of your career in Formula 2? You joined at the beginning of the 2017 season with Racing Engineering…

« First of all, I am not satisfied with my last season. My car wasn’t performing well, and I didn’t get along with the team (editor’s note: The Swiss driver switched to Rapax starting from the Spa-Francorchamps round at the end of August, swapping seats with Nyck de Vries). With Charouz Racing System, we also didn’t have the start to the season we hoped for… Let’s say the stars aren’t aligned yet (laughs). But this year, the speed is there. »

What justifies this observation?

I was fast during winter testing. I don’t like to say this, but I’ve had a lot of bad luck since the beginning of the season. In Bahrain, a part broke. It had passed the tests without a single issue. It had to “break” on the first race weekend…

And then?

« In Baku, I get hit by Sean Gelael. And in Barcelona, I’m fast but blocked by Jack Aitken in qualifying. »

« It’s true that there are a lot of things that didn’t come together and in the end, it costs me big points. »

How is the coexistence with Antonio Fuoco, your teammate going?

« Very well. I had already come across him in the lower categories. We share all our data, there is no internal war. And then the atmosphere within the team is like family. Professional but like family. I had lost that feeling last year. »

Unlike him, you are not officially a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy. Do you still feel a certain pressure from Scuderia, especially in relation to young drivers like Giuliano Alesi (editor’s note: son of Jean Alesi, current GP3 driver and academy hopeful)?

The Ferrari logo is on my suit: the Scuderia is keeping an eye on us. If I perform, I know that Massimo Rivola, the Academy director, is watching us. He’s there every weekend. I know there’s competition, but I don’t pay too much attention to it. I need to focus primarily on my work.

« If I start looking at the careers of drivers younger than me, there’s a problem! »

How important is the support of Jean-Denis, your father?

« It is essential: without him, I wouldn’t be here. You often hear about problems between father and son. But my father knows motorsport very well. He gave me a lot of advice at the beginning. Now, he mainly handles the contracts. As for driving, I’m autonomous now! »

Where would you like to be in 5 years?

« The goal is still and always to reach Formula 1. I am 100% focused on it. I arrived in Formula 2 young, but I still have my chances. »

You have Swiss nationality, one naturally thinks of Sauber…

« It’s clear that the connection is obvious. But I haven’t had any contact with them yet. It would definitely be a dream to race for a Swiss team. Our country doesn’t have many circuits, but we have good drivers. A Swiss in a Swiss team would make it possible to write history and develop motor racing in our country. But I want to perform in F2 first before thinking about Formula 1. »

Since we are talking about Sauber… what are your thoughts on Charles Leclerc?

« Charles is a great guy, I’ve known him for a long time and I’m happy for his current results. It’s a beautiful story. It’s not necessarily easy for a young person to make it in Formula 1 and break through. But he’s doing it perfectly. »

You are also friends with Romain Grosjean… Do you often exchange messages?

« Absolutely. Last year in Monaco, we did the track walk together. He gave me his notes. Our sessions are close, and we exchange a lot of information, such as the condition of the track. It’s always good to have him nearby! »

You have undoubtedly read or heard the many recent criticisms about it. Do you think that judgment in motorsports is too hasty, in one direction or the other?

« It’s the game. We’ve seen it with Charles. He didn’t only receive kind words at the start of the season. But he’s become a king since. A driver’s image changes quickly. That’s why I’m not worried about Romain. Everyone knows what he’s worth, the wheel will turn very quickly for him. »

« Personally, if I made a mistake, I don’t need to read an article to notice it! You have to ignore the criticism and prove on the track that your detractors were wrong. »

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On a personal note, Louis Delétraz’s words were quite prophetic. Starting fourteenth, the Swiss driver avoided obstacles to make a great comeback during the Monégasque race 1. He finished fourth, less than four seconds from the podium, thus scoring his first points of the season! A good omen before the start of race 2, on Saturday at 17:10, which he’ll start from fifth position due to the reverse grid rule. His season is finally underway!