Ferrari faces internal turmoil as Leclerc learns of Hamilton’s 2025 team-up, stirring the F1 world.
According to the Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Charles Leclerc is unhappy behind the scenes at Ferrari after learning he will be teamed up with Lewis Hamilton in 2025.
For the rest of the Formula 1 world, this news is one of the most thrilling developments in the sport for years – especially given the prospect of another season of likely Red Bull domination this year.
Corriere dello Sport reports that the dynamic within Ferrari has already shifted, as Leclerc, contrary to early claims, was unaware when he signed a new long-term contract with the legendary Maranello team just a few weeks ago.
“If Leclerc stays ahead, he’ll be a hero, but if he’s behind Lewis, it will tarnish his reputation,” the Italian press is already saying.
Leclerc’s entourage and his management, led by Nicolas Todt, were said to be “disappointed and shocked.” The conditional is used because, on his part, Carlos Sainz has just revealed that he saw Lewis Hamilton’s arrival coming (read here).
Former F1 team owner and boss, Giancarlo Minardi, admits he doesn’t really understand what Ferrari is doing.
“Listen, they extended his contract and said they were going to bet everything on him. A week goes by and they decide to put a driver like Hamilton alongside him.”
Ferrari’s Future: Hamilton Joins, Questions Arise
“We have to ask: Has Ferrari lost all these years because of who was driving? The team hasn’t won for a generation and now Hamilton is not a guarantee of success either, just like (Sebastian) Vettel wasn’t.”
Ferrari’s leaders or team (Fred Vasseur, John Elkann, or Benedetto Vigna) have not yet commented on Hamilton’s signing for 2025, but Piero Ferrari – Enzo’s son and a 10% owner of Ferrari – criticized those who think it’s not a wise decision from the Maranello team.
“A personality like Lewis is ideal for Ferrari. As for Charles, he’s a future champion. Ferrari believes in him and shows him support.”
“Hamilton is Hamilton. I don’t understand why there would suddenly be conflicts between them.”
“We’re talking about professionals, and such things are not unusual in Formula 1.”
“I remember at the start of 2006, Fernando Alonso announced his move to McLaren in 2007, but that didn’t stop him from winning the title with Renault.”
As for Hamilton, Piero Ferrari added: “Personally, I am happy he’s joining us. I think it’s the right time.”
“I don’t want to talk about the details of the contract, since that’s clearly not my area of responsibility, but Lewis is ideally placed to perpetuate the Ferrari myth.”
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