Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have formally joined forces as Ferrari teammates, with the Maranello group asserting the British driver’s arrival by way of their social media channels on New 12 months’s Day.
Whereas the pressures of competitors might finally check their partnership, early indications recommend their relationship might be amicable. Since 2019, each drivers have competed in front-running automobiles however have hardly ever come into direct battle. One standout second got here throughout the Qatar GP Dash final November, the place Leclerc overtook Hamilton for fifth place after an intense, skillful wheel-to-wheel duel spanning a number of corners. The battle underscored the mutual respect between the 2 drivers.
To date, their interactions have been heat and cordial. Past the racetrack, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton share widespread pursuits, comparable to music and vogue, which might assist strengthen their bond. Ferrari’s inside dynamics additionally seem secure. Regardless of occasional tensions with the group, Carlos Sainz departed with the Monegasque’s greatest needs, simply as there have been no lingering points between Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel throughout their time as teammates.
In the meantime, Hamilton obtained an emotional farewell from George Russell following their three-year stint collectively at Mercedes. In contrast to the strained partnership with Nico Rosberg, Lewis Hamilton’s time with George Russell and Valtteri Bottas was marked by concord, additional reinforcing his capability to keep up optimistic teammate relationships.
Charles Leclerc Spearheaded Driver Protests Over Max Verstappen’s Controversial Transfer at 2021 Brazil GP
The 2025 Ferrari F1 drivers additionally appear to align on racing ethics and requirements in System 1. This was evident following the contentious 2021 Sao Paulo GP, the place Hamilton mounted a spectacular cost from tenth place to assert victory, narrowing Max Verstappen’s championship lead. Nevertheless, the race wasn’t with out drama. Verstappen aggressively defended his lead by forcing each automobiles off observe throughout Hamilton’s tried overtake into flip 4—a transfer that sparked widespread outrage however went unpunished by the stewards.
In keeping with F1 correspondent Andrew Benson, talking on the *Chequered Flag* podcast in autumn 2024, Charles Leclerc led the refrain of disapproval from the drivers. Along with Carlos Sainz, the Monegasque was significantly outspoken in regards to the lack of a penalty for Max Verstappen, voicing his issues throughout the routine drivers’ assembly with FIA race director Michael Masi on the subsequent race in Qatar. The incident highlighted Charles Leclerc’s dedication to making sure honest play and underscored his shared values with the British driver concerning on-track requirements. Andrew Benson defined that after the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix, all of the drivers believed Max Verstappen ought to have obtained a penalty for his actions. He famous that in the next race in Qatar, a gathering occurred the place Charles Leclerc and his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz took the lead in expressing their views. In keeping with the F1 correspondent, they made it clear that they felt the Dutchman’s transfer warranted a penalty.
Lewis Hamilton May Have Secured Essential Equality Clause in Ferrari Deal
As Lewis Hamilton steps into his new function at Ferrari, he joins a group that Charles Leclerc has firmly established as his personal over six seasons. Throughout that point, Leclerc has labored alongside two totally different teammates and confirmed himself to be the cornerstone of the Scuderia’s future.
Charles Leclerc’s rise at Ferrari was cemented when he outperformed four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, successfully ending the German driver’s tenure with the group. Ferrari’s administration had already suspected that Vettel, regardless of his accolades, may not match Hamilton’s uncooked pace—a idea that was examined when the Monegasque emerged because the quicker driver.
With Lewis Hamilton’s arrival, Ferrari now boasts two of the grid’s most formidable abilities. Nevertheless, not like some group lineups, there isn’t a indication of a preordained primary driver for the upcoming season. This steadiness is especially vital given the aggressive pedigree of each drivers.
One analyst has speculated that Lewis Hamilton, famend for his consideration to element in contract negotiations, might have insisted on a particular clause guaranteeing equal remedy throughout the group. Such a clause would be sure that group principal Frederic Vasseur can not impose group orders that favor one driver over the opposite, probably setting the stage for an exhilarating intra-team rivalry at Ferrari.
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