In Max Verstappen and Red Bull, Lewis Hamilton has a title challenger who has both the car and the speed to match - and even beat - him.
Hamilton did not have a disappointing race by any stretch as he will be near the top of the grid in the main race.
Leclerc has already had two podium finishes this season and sits at a strong fifth position on the driver's championship table.
Michael Schumacher put in a brilliant performance in the 2004 French Grand Prix as he won the race despite four pit stops.
F1 has provided an update on the 2021 race calendar, with new Covid-19 travel restrictions meaning it’s no longer possible to race in Turkey.