Charles Leclerc is closely studying Lewis Hamilton’s approach, believing he has what it takes to challenge and possibly beat the seven-time champion.
When Lewis Hamilton left McLaren F1 for Mercedes in 2013, he showed remarkable foresight, making one of the best career decisions in the sport’s history.
Did he demonstrate the same intuition by leaving Mercedes F1 to join Scuderia Ferrari this year?
His teammate Charles Leclerc certainly hopes so—and says he has solid reasons to believe it.
“I think Lewis is joining the team at the right time,” the Monegasque stated during the SF-25 shakedown yesterday.
“Fred (Vasseur) is someone who, as I’ve already said, has a great strength: he keeps the team’s emotional balance in check at a very good level. We have been much stronger in this area over the past few years.”
“Obviously, Lewis joining the team has been a huge boost and incredible in many ways. But I feel the team is very calm and very clear on the direction to take, without being overly affected by everything happening around us. That is extremely important, and it’s great to see.”
Leclerc already impressed by Hamilton’s approach at Ferrari
Even before the first Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc insists that Lewis Hamilton has already brought added value to Scuderia Ferrari. The Monegasque even admits he has learned from his new teammate.
“The first weeks with a new teammate are always very interesting—especially when it’s Lewis Hamilton. He has achieved so much that it’s fascinating. It’s really cool for me to be able to analyze how he works daily with his engineers, the feedback he gives, the aspects he focuses on, and the details he pays particular attention to.”
“His approach has been extremely successful, and he is the most decorated driver in Formula 1 history. So, of course, I have observed, analyzed, and tried to learn as much as possible from Lewis. In these first few weeks, it’s still difficult because we haven’t yet driven the same car at the same time on track, but I can already see certain characteristics of his driving style, and it’s really interesting to watch.”
“We also have a good relationship. We’ve been able to spend quite a bit of time together, and we’re excited to start competing against each other in races.”
Does Charles Leclerc’s driving style align with Lewis Hamilton’s expectations?
That would certainly help Ferrari’s development…
“One thing I’ve noticed is that we have a very similar driving style, which is a very good thing. I’m almost certain that we will need similar things from the car—or at least that’s my initial feeling. This still needs to be confirmed, as we haven’t driven much together yet, but from what I’ve observed, we tend to drive in quite a similar way.”
If there’s no major difference in driving style, there might be a difference in style—more broadly speaking.
“What will we do differently? Probably the dress code. We dress very, very differently. But everyone has their own way of expressing themselves through fashion. Obviously, Lewis is very involved in that area, whereas I’m a bit less so. Maybe that’s where we’re different.”
Leclerc or Hamilton for the title?
The good relations between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are unlikely to last this year if both Ferrari drivers find themselves fighting for the championship.
Does the Monegasque believe his scarlet machine will be up to the task? Does he see himself beating Lewis Hamilton?
“Of course, it’s still very early,” said Leclerc, who drove the 2025 Ferrari for the first time on Wednesday.
“No bad surprises. It’s very difficult to feel anything on a first day at a track like Fiorano. Nothing stands out for now. That means it’s been a positive first day. We had a good car in 2024, but we lacked a bit of performance, and that’s what we focused on with this new single-seater. We worked on small details in every area.”
“If we have a car capable of consistently fighting at the front, then I think I can be competitive. But I have the feeling it will be a very tight season. If that’s the case, then I see several contenders for the title.”
And if there are multiple title contenders, does Charles Leclerc see himself as the one who will triumph?
“But of course, I have confidence in myself and believe I have the qualities to achieve it.”
- Discover More>Vasseur: “Very difficult to predict if a team will lead” in 2025.
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Leclerc: Learning from Hamilton, Ready to Challenge Him Leclerc: Learning from Hamilton, Ready to Challenge Him Leclerc: Learning from Hamilton, Ready to Challenge Him
