Leclerc on Hamilton: "I Observe Everything, We Work Perfectly"

Charles Leclerc closely analyzes Lewis Hamilton’s every move at Ferrari, emphasizing their strong partnership and shared ambition for the season ahead.

Charles Leclerc is ambitious for the upcoming season, following the presentation of the Ferrari SF-25. The Monegasque driver was asked about his thoughts on Enzo Ferrari’s famous saying that “the best F1 car is always the next one,” and he admits he agrees with the Scuderia founder’s perspective.

“I agree with Enzo Ferrari. In our sport, and in general, we always try to identify a car’s weaknesses to improve them for the following year, and that’s exactly what we’ve done with this year’s car,” said Leclerc.

“To know if it’s the best, we need to win the championship because this is a relative sport, and we have to beat the other cars. But we’ve done a great job, and I hope this will be the best one.”

Leclerc acknowledges that the constructors’ title is an obvious objective, but he has even greater personal ambitions. “Since we finished second and very close to the top in the constructors’ championship last year, the logical goal is to win the constructors’ title.”

“But I’ve had a dream since I was a child—to win the drivers’ world championship. I hope this will be the right year. I’ve been working and preparing my whole life to be ready when the opportunity arises, and I hope 2025 will be our year.”

Asked whether he was surprised by Lewis Hamilton’s quick adaptation as his new teammate at Ferrari, the Monegasque isn’t shocked but admits he pays close attention to what his teammate does.

“We get along extremely well. We’ve already spent quite a bit of time together here in Maranello. But surprised isn’t the right word—because when you have Lewis Hamilton, the most successful driver in motorsport, joining a team, you expect him to do exceptional and unique things.”

“But this is a very interesting time for me because I analyze absolutely everything Lewis does—the way he works, the way he drives during the few laps we’ve done together, even if they were never in the same conditions.”

“So far, we haven’t driven at the same time with both cars, but I’m looking forward to it. We’re working really well together for now, and I have no doubt that will continue. My only goal is for both of us to bring Ferrari back to the top.”

Leclerc reveals he hasn’t changed his preparation, despite another long and intense season ahead. “The seasons are getting longer year after year, with more and more races, but the preparation remains the same. I’ve always tried to optimize this part of the season when I have a bit more free time.”

“That’s what I did again this year—I focused on improving physically during this period. From the first to the last race, the goal is to maintain that condition. But as I do every year, I went to the Dolomites and trained harder than ever. So I’m ready for this season.”