Domenicali Urges Ferrari to Respect Leclerc in Hamilton Era

Domenicali Urges Ferrari to Respect Leclerc in Hamilton Era

17/10/2024

Stefano Domenicali cautions Ferrari to balance focus between Hamilton and Leclerc as the team prepares for a pivotal season.

Although Lewis Hamilton is undoubtedly aiming to make history when he joins Ferrari next season, Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO and former Scuderia boss, has warned that Charles Leclerc must be “respected” and that it will be up to the team to manage the aspirations of both its stars.

Hamilton heads to Maranello determined to win his eighth world championship, a feat Ferrari hasn’t achieved since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007.

Ferrari president John Elkann laid out the goals earlier, stating: “He wants to win the eighth title, Ferrari wants to win, and with Lewis, we are stronger. He’s not joining Ferrari to enjoy his retirement.”

However, Hamilton isn’t the only driver eyeing the world title, as Leclerc has made clear.

Domenicali, who was Ferrari’s team principal from 2008 to 2014, believes respect and clear rules will be essential in managing the drivers.

“As a Ferrari enthusiast, it’s an extraordinary opportunity because Lewis brings everything. He wants to bring home the eighth title and become the greatest of all time.”

“However, respect for Charles will be crucial, but it’s clear that when you lower the visor… the team’s rules and management must be clear.”

F1 boss Domenicali also appreciates seeing young talent emerging.

“The young drivers? There will be even more of them in 2025, and what I like is that each already has their own personality.”

“We are in a positive phase; drivers are not an issue. The vitality of youth is fundamental for us, and what F1 needs to do is break out of its self-referential bubble. I want to see different faces and professionalism.”

Ferrari Faces Challenge in Balancing Hamilton and Leclerc

Ferrari Faces Challenge in Balancing Hamilton and Leclerc Ferrari Faces Challenge in Balancing Hamilton and Leclerc

F1 Standings 2025
F1 Standings 2025
#
Driver
Points
1
Driver Flag
Max Verstappen
Red Bull
0
2
Driver Flag
Lando Norris
McLaren
0
3
Driver Flag
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
0
4
Driver Flag
Oscar Piastri
McLaren
0
5
Driver Flag
Carlos Sainz
Williams
0
6
Driver Flag
George Russell
Mercedes
0
#
Team
Points
1
McLaren
Norris & Piastri
0
2
Ferrari
Leclerc & Hamilton
0
3
Red Bull
Verstappen & Lawson
0
4
Mercedes
Russell & Antonelli
0
5
Aston Martin
Alonso & Stroll
0
6
Alpine
Gasly & Doohan
0
F1 Calendar 2025
F1 CALENDAR 2025
Race Date
Australia Flag
Australian
Albert Park
16 Mar
China Flag
Chinese
Shanghai International
23 Mar
Japan Flag
Japanese
Suzuka Circuit
6 Apr
Bahrain Flag
Bahrain
Bahrain International
13 Apr
Saudi Arabia Flag
Saudi Arabian
Jeddah Street
20 Apr
FULL CALENDAR
Race Center

Race Center

Australian flag
Australian GP
13 Mar - 16 Mar
Your time Local time
FP1 13 MAR 15:30
FP2 13 MAR 19:00
FP3 14 MAR 15:30
QU 14 MAR 19:00
RACE 15 MAR 18:00
Go toTop