Charles Leclerc is confident that Lewis Hamilton couldn’t have picked a better time to join Ferrari, given the team’s current trajectory in their quest for a Formula 1 world championship.
Last season, Ferrari came close behind McLaren in the constructors’ championship, and Leclerc himself racked up the highest points after the summer break. Hamilton’s much-anticipated switch from Mercedes has been warmly embraced by his new teammate, who believes Ferrari is primed for such a major addition, crediting team principal Fred Vasseur’s leadership for the team’s current standing.
“There’s magic here” – that’s how Hamilton feels about his chances for an eighth title, as he and Leclerc hit the track together with Ferrari’s new SF-25 for testing.
Leclerc explains, “Lewis is entering at just the right moment. Fred excels at maintaining the team’s emotional well-being, and in recent years, we’ve built substantial stability and strength.”
He continued, “Lewis joining us has been incredibly thrilling and invigorating. But the real breakthrough is how calm and clear the team is in pursuing our objectives, staying focused amid all external distractions, and that kind of clarity is tremendous.”
During a session at the Fiorano test track, where he drove the SF-25 for the first time, Leclerc mentioned that although he anticipated heightened scrutiny on Ferrari, it hasn’t impeded his or the team’s preparations.
“I wasn’t blindsided by it,” Leclerc admitted. “Ferrari has always attracted immense attention. This year’s spotlight is even bigger due to Lewis’s arrival – a true legend of the sport – which elevates the usual buzz. But let’s be real, Ferrari is always under a considerable microscope anyway.”
He added, “With Lewis here, media coverage is skyrocketing, and the demands are endless. But that simply comes with the territory. The team’s management backstage ensures it feels seamless for us drivers.”
Reflecting on the vibes at Fiorano, Leclerc was all smiles. “The track’s energy is palpable; it’s thrilling to witness. For me, it’s purely positive.”
Despite being an old hand with Ferrari by now, embarking on his seventh season, Leclerc finds Hamilton’s illustrious career as an educational journey he’s keen to explore.
“Having a new teammate is always intriguing,” Leclerc expressed. “Now, alongside Lewis Hamilton, it’s especially fascinating. His extensive accomplishments give me the chance to dissect his daily interactions with the engineers, the specific insights he shares, and the focal points he emphasizes because clearly, it’s a proven successful formula.”
He added, “While we haven’t had ample time with the same car on the track to compare notes fully, I’ve already caught glimpses of his driving style. It’s enlightening. We’ve bonded well and spent quality time together. I can’t wait for us to finally race each other.”
