Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc embraces the most recent addition to the Maranello workforce’s storied legacy with the arrival of Lewis Hamilton, seeing the seven-time Method 1 World Champion as a possible catalyst to assist him fulfill his ambition of turning into a title winner and including his personal chapter to the Scuderia’s illustrious historical past.
Somewhat than feeling threatened by the prospect of sharing the storage with Lewis Hamilton for a minimum of the subsequent two seasons, Charles Leclerc is optimistic concerning the partnership. He believes the 40-year-old veteran brings invaluable expertise and motivation that would reignite Ferrari’s championship aspirations after a irritating 17-year title drought.
Lewis Hamilton has already begun immersing himself within the Ferrari tradition, beginning work with the workforce earlier this month. Over the subsequent two months, he faces the problem of adapting to the Scuderia’s distinctive methodologies whereas constructing relationships along with his new colleagues, all in preparation for the season opener in Australia on the Albert Park circuit in mid-March.
Charles Leclerc expressed confidence that Lewis Hamilton would carry a major enhance to the Maranello workforce’s morale. Reflecting on the prospect on the shut of final season in an interview with the media, Charles Leclerc famous that whereas the workforce was already extremely motivated, the arrival of a seven-time World Champion like Lewis Hamilton represented essentially the most impactful transfer lately, serving as a further supply of inspiration for everybody concerned.
The Monegasque driver noticed that the Maranello workforce felt a collective sense of pleasure in being a part of such a monumental chapter in Ferrari’s historical past and emphasised their shared dedication to make this era as profitable as attainable, each for the Scuderia and for his or her private contributions to its legacy.
Turning to his personal aspirations, Charles Leclerc spoke of his ambition to play a key position in Ferrari’s story and obtain his lifelong dream of turning into a Method 1 World Champion. He highlighted his pleasure about working alongside Lewis Hamilton, seeing it as a twin alternative to be taught from one of many sport’s biggest drivers whereas additionally showcasing his personal talents in opposition to such a formidable competitor.
Charles Leclerc acknowledged that competing alongside the British driver would push him to stay on the high of his sport, including that the presence of a driver of Lewis Hamilton’s caliber served as a further supply of non-public motivation.
Lewis Hamilton’s profession spans again to 2007, when he burst onto the Method 1 scene with McLaren in a sensational debut season. His rookie marketing campaign noticed him come heartbreakingly near securing the championship, narrowly lacking out earlier than clinching his maiden title in an unforgettable showdown the next yr.
Nonetheless, his time at McLaren was not with out challenges. After his early success, the workforce confronted a sequence of adverse seasons, leaving the British driver unable to contend persistently for additional titles. This era of adversity in the end set the stage for probably the most transformative strikes in F1 historical past—his resolution to hitch Mercedes. On the German aspect, Lewis Hamilton’s profession reached unprecedented heights. Over time, he claimed six further World Championships, cementing his standing as probably the most adorned and celebrated drivers the game has ever identified. His outstanding journey has not solely formed trendy Method 1 but additionally secured his place as a central determine in its storied legacy.
Charles Leclerc remarked that, given Lewis Hamilton’s outstanding success, it could be fascinating to look at how he had approached working with different extremely profitable groups up to now. He famous that the British driver had achieved championships with each Mercedes and McLaren and expressed confidence that his presence would elevate the workforce, providing helpful insights and new views on their working strategies.
Regardless of the 13-year age hole between them, Charles Leclerc believes he can discover widespread floor with Lewis Hamilton past their shared ardour for motorsport, notably by means of their mutual appreciation for music. Charles Leclerc, a self-taught pianist identified for composing his personal items, shares a artistic reference to Lewis Hamilton, who has dabbled in songwriting and recording his personal tracks. Nonetheless, the Monegasque is fast to level out that their similarities prolong past their love of music, hinting at different shared traits that would strengthen their bond.
Charles Leclerc acknowledged that music performed a major position in constructing connections however famous that the method of attending to know Lewis Hamilton on a private degree had began effectively earlier than his arrival at Scuderia Ferrari, relationship again to early final yr. Since studying of the British driver’s transfer to the Maranello workforce beginning with the 2025 Method 1 championship, Charles Leclerc shared that they’d begun discussing extra of their pursuits exterior of racing, together with music, vogue, and journey. This alternate of widespread pursuits, he defined, had already fostered a robust relationship that he anticipated to deepen additional as they spent extra time collectively.
Charles Leclerc additionally expressed confidence that Lewis Hamilton can be well-received by the Tifosi, regardless of their sometimes strained relationship up to now, corresponding to moments when the Briton confronted boos whereas on the rostrum within the Italian Grand Prix on the Monza circuit. As a Ferrari driver now, the Monegasque believed the dynamic between Lewis Hamilton and the passionate Ferrari fanbase would evolve positively.
He remarked that in visits to Maranello, he had seen rising enthusiasm among the many Tifosi for Lewis Hamilton’s arrival. In accordance with Charles Leclerc, they appeared very excited concerning the new addition to the workforce, and he was sure they’d welcome Hamilton warmly and with nice help.
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