Leclerc finds praise from F1 front-runners 'amazing', 'crazy'

Charles Leclerc says he finds it "amazing" and "crazy" to have received high praise from Formula 1 world champions Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg following his impressive start to his rookie season.

Reigning Formula 2 champion and Ferrari junior Leclerc stepped up to F1 this year with Sauber, and led the team to its first consecutive points finishes in almost three years in Baku and Spain.

The Monegasque driver has been tipped to become one of F1's future stars, with four-time champions Vettel and Hamilton singing his praises during Wednesday's FIA press conference ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix. 

Asked about the comments, Leclerc said it was a huge boost to receive such praise from so many established drivers, having also been complimented by 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg and 2008 runner-up Felipe Massa during the F1 Live Twitter show after the race.

"It feels amazing. Also Nico now, when I was with him in the F1 Live, he spoke very highly about me," Leclerc said.

"Of course I was in front of him, so it was difficult for him to say anything bad! But he still said many good things about me, Felipe also.

"But to have four drivers with so many prizes speaking of myself that way and saying positive things about me is crazy. It’s great to hear that.

"On the other hand I try not to listen at it too much and focus on the job, things to improve myself.

"But it’s always very special to hear those positive things from these drivers."