Charles Leclerc will have a new team-mate at Ferrari in the 2025 Formula 1 season in the shape of Lewis Hamilton – he is looking forward to the Brit
Lewis Hamilton is ready for a change of scenery: the Briton will line up for Ferrari in the 2025 Formula 1 season and turn his back on Mercedes. Carlos Sainz has to vacate his cockpit with the Italians, with the Spaniard moving to Williams. Charles Leclerc is looking forward to working with the Briton
In an interview with Motorsport.com, Leclerc, who has also worked with Marcus Ericsson and Sebastian Vettel in his career alongside Sainz, explains why Hamilton will push him to his limits. “When a seven-time world champion comes, that’s always good news,” says the Monegasque. “It’s super interesting and super motivating for me.”
It allows him to “learn from the best” in the premier class and develop himself further, says Leclerc. However, the 26-year-old does not want to be subordinate: “It’s also super motivating to show what I can do against Lewis in the same car. Those are the two reasons why I’m looking forward to it. “
Hamilton a chance to prove himself
Before Hamilton was confirmed by Ferrari, Leclerc had signed a multi-year contract with the Maranello-based racing team. At that time, the Monegasque already knew that Ferrari would sign the 39-year-old. “I knew at the time that it was an option, but I didn’t ask for details,” he explains.
Leclerc says he had no right to details and did not want to know what was going on behind the scenes at Ferrari. “Nevertheless, everyone was very honest with me,” recalls Leclerc. ”When you bring a driver like Lewis Hamilton into the team, that’s a strong sign.”
According to Leclerc, the signing of Hamilton also opens up the opportunity for Ferrari to bring more talent into the team. “So I can take a lot of positives with me,” says the 26-year-old. Leclerc can’t lose either: “Losing to a seven-time world champion would be nothing special, but beating him would improve his reputation.”
Leclerc wants to beat the Briton
“As a driver, I don’t care if I’m two tenths behind Lewis or someone else, life wouldn’t be nice,” says Leclerc. “Unfortunately, if I’m behind my teammate, it’s always me. No matter what the situation, as a driver you want to be in front.” This was also how Leclerc approached the battle with Vettel at the time.
“I hated it when he beat me, even in my first year at Ferrari,” says Leclerc. ”I knew he had a lot of experience. No matter the situation, I hate being beaten. Leclerc is ready to take on Hamilton, and that could create a dynamic that helps Ferrari catch up with Red Bull again.