Ericsson feels like he's "driving at his best"

Marcus Ericsson claims that he is driving better than he ever has before in the 2018 season. The Swede has secured five points so far this season, with a best finish of ninth at Bahrain and Germany.

Sauber has produced a much-improved car this season, and is currently sitting in ninth in the standings, clear of Williams in last place. And Ericsson thinks that his return to the points this year shows his improvement as a driver.

"I think I have developed as a driver over the years,” Ericsson told Crash.net. “It’s been difficult to show that because the lack of performance I’ve had in the last few seasons.Read more on our mobile website But I feel this year I have been really showing a good level in my driving and I feel like I’m driving at my best. 

"I still feel there is more to improve, especially on Saturday’s. I need to find a way to improve my qualifying performances because then I think my races will be even better."

Despite an improvement in results, Ericsson has been out-performed by rookie teammate Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver has made three Q3 appearances this year, and has finished inside the top ten on seven occasions so far.

Speaking about what is holding him back, he said: "I think it’s a combination of things. One is the way the car feels on low fuel over one lap, I’m struggling a bit there with the feeling. Especially with the rear of the car being a bit edgy, I’m struggling with that. We are working on that in the setup and also with updates to try and help.

"I think it’s also a confidence thing because when you have a bad form in qualifying it comes into your confidence and you have to work really hard to get out of it. If I had a good qualifying that would also help things massively as well. I keep working on it and I’m not hiding it, it is one of the points where I need to improve. I think that’s important and I will make sure I turn it around.” 

Fergal Walsh