Jody Scheckter believes that 35-podium star could be the Roger Federer of Formula 1

Follow us on Google Discover

Roger Federer may no longer be the most successful men’s tennis player of all time, but in the eyes of many fans, he’s still the greatest to ever play the sport.

It’s hard to make a comparison across sports, especially with someone so iconic in his profession.

After the Monaco Grand Prix, former F1 world champion Jody Scheckter was speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Scheckter made the comparison between Federer and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc after finally winning his home race.

It was an emotional weekend for the Monegasque driver who stood on the podium for the 35^th time in his F1 career with everyone cheering him on.

This will be his most special visit to the rostrum as he heard his national anthem played out in front of his home crowd.

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Jody Scheckter says Charles Leclerc could be Formula 1’s Roger Federer

Roger Federer is so admired within the tennis world for more than just his incredible work on the court.

The Swiss player is unbelievably popular wherever he goes and even at Wimbledon, he’s a crowd favourite despite the British fans having a world-class player to get behind in Andy Murray.

Although Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal now have more Grand Slam victories, Federer’s legacy may end up eclipsing both of his rivals in the future.

Charles Leclerc has a long way to go to match Federer’s success and live up to the comparison made by Scheckter.

His win in Monaco was only the sixth in his Formula 1 career and he ended a long wait to convert a pole position into victory.

On so many occasions last season, he would get the better of Max Verstappen in qualifying only to see his Red Bull drive into the distance.

This season appears to be different and for three races in a row, Red Bull have arguably not had the fastest car on the grid.

It was only Verstappen’s individual brilliance that earned him a victory in Imola under immense pressure from Lando Norris.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory

Charles Leclerc finally tastes victory after a two-year wait

Talking about the Monegasque driver, Scheckter said: “When he arrived in the World Championship I thought he could be the [Roger] Federer of F1, a guy with so much style and talent.

“And at the same time, I found it incredible that a strong driver could come from Monaco, even though I lived 18 years there I didn’t expect it.

“Next year with [Lewis] Hamilton, he will form a great pair. The move to Ferrari is better for Lewis than for the Prancing Horse, but both he and Charles are very strong and it will be a season to watch.”

Leclerc still has a long way to go to live up to Scheckter’s expectations and match Federer.

Although it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, the 26-year-old would have to win at least one world championship.

His best finish in the Drivers’ Championship in his career is 2^nd and he’s moved up to that position in the standings this year after his most recent victory.

Leclerc is only 31 points behind Verstappen and all it would take is a DNF for the Dutchmam to make things very interesting.

With two-thirds of the season left, for the first time since 2021, Formula 1 might have a battle for both championships.