And now the friendship and rivalries have moved on to the golf course. Leclerc, Albon and Norris play regularly. It's for fun and relaxation but, being elite sportsmen, they also want to beat each other. It seems an odd fit for F1 drivers, even if famously Nigel Mansell was a quality golfer. What's the appeal? Leclerc says the mental training he uses as part of his development is part of the explanation for this. Leclerc agrees with Russell that "the fact that we've raced together since a very long time has made all of us stronger, because we've always pushed each other to improve, and that's why I believe we are a very strong generation". Without these mistakes, Verstappen's lead would be 37 points rather than 80 - still substantial, but eminently recoverable.

Charles Leclerc (Black Outfit) Cardboard Cutout - Celebrity Charles Leclerc (Black Outfit) Cardboard Cutout - Celebrity

This is the first time Leclerc has had a car consistently fast enough to fight for the title, yet problems keep delivering him blow after blow. How has he dealt with this?

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I could feel at the end of last year that I was very tired in the last part of the season and I don't want to get to the last part of this year being tired because I know it's a big opportunity and I just want to win races. I really don't see the point of hiding it," he says. "And sometimes it is so obvious to everybody that the mistake comes from driver, I just don't understand the drivers that are trying to have excuses with the wind or whatsoever.

Star Cutouts CS1102 Charles Leclerc Lifesize Cardboard Cut

But there's something about it that every single small detail makes a difference. In golf, if you don't exactly have the right mindset to hit the ball, then you already know that the ball is going to go everywhere, but not where you want it to go. So there is no need for me to change that approach. Again, try and grow from the mistakes of the first half, but try and perform as well as the first half because the performance I've given, I'm extremely happy about. And this I want to keep.I think there has been a linear progression since I arrived in Formula 1 just by learning year after year and trying to modify some details," he says.

Charles Leclerc (Black Outfit) Cardboard Cutout Charles Leclerc (Black Outfit) Cardboard Cutout

After two very difficult years where whatever we were doing it was quite frustrating because you'll never get the result that you wanted, now we have the possibility to get the result that we want. So it's good." Racing against Verstappen Leclerc and Verstappen have fought closely this season without ever crossing the line On the other hand, we haven't managed to maximise all the potential we had. And this is not great. We still have the second part of the season to catch up, I hope, and I will push at the maximum. But the last few races have been a bit difficult." Furthermore, the Charles Leclerc Cardboard Cutout makes for a unique and thoughtful gift. Surprise a racing fan, friend, or family member with this remarkable collectible, it will certainly bring a smile to their face. We use only the finest materials to make our Charles Leclerc (Jumper) Cardboard Cutouts and every one carries the unique Celebrity Cutouts Hologram - your assurance of excellence. I would have expected us to be much more like this if the championship will be extremely close towards the end. [If] it's not finished, then we might see that at the end of the year." Golf and the new generation Leclerc says a lot of Formula 1 drivers enjoy playing golfCharles Leclerc (Blue Suit) Cardboard Cutouts are great for parties and events but are equally popular for use at home.

Charles Leclerc Lifesize Cardboard Cutout 181cm

So there won't be any significant change. We just need to try and work as a team to put a weekend together for the nine remaining races and see where we end up."

Leclerc is part of a remarkable generation of young drivers in F1. Verstappen, George Russell, Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon and Lance Stroll were contemporaries in karting, Lando Norris close behind. This lifesize cutout of Charles Leclerc captures the Formula 1 driver in a dashing smart suit. Whether you're an avid motorsport enthusiast or simply admire his talent, this cardboard cutout allows fans to bring the thrill of Formula 1 into their own spaces. So I think, mentally, it's a very good exercise and that's why we love it so much as drivers." Leclerc came through the junior ranks alongside fellow future F1 drivers George Russell, (left) and Alex Albon (right) The climax to the season