Charles Leclerc: “A big challenge and a great motivation to beat Hamilton” at Ferrari

After Sebastian Vettel (2019-2020) and Carlos Sainz (2021-2024), Charles Leclerc will live through 2025 with a new teammate at Ferrari, and not just anyone: the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. An honor which the Monegasque testifies to for the F1 website: “Obviously, for me, it will be extraordinary because I will have in the same car as me the most decorated driver in the history of F1 (jointly with Michael Schumacher).”

It was just what the 26-year-old driver needed: When a champion like Lewis joins a team, it brings a lot of motivation to everyone. A new chapter in the career of the Briton, but also for Leclerc, who sees this change as a new adventure that is beginning. He will arrive with all the experience he has gained over the years with Mercedes – a different way of working, a different vision – and it is always beneficial for a team, analyzes number 16.

A new challenge for Leclerc

Except in 2021 against Sainz, Charles Leclerc has always finished ahead of his teammates in the drivers’ championship. The goal for him will be to maintain this trend against the Briton, who will bring his experience to the Scuderia. “It will be very interesting for me to learn from one of the greatest drivers of all time, but also a great challenge and motivation to beat Lewis and show what I am capable of,” declared the recent winner at Monza.

Leclerc expects Hamilton to offer him some opposition, hence the importance for him to make the most of his car: « He will certainly be a reference, so it will be very important for me to be at my best. »

His relationship with Sainz

The arrival of Lewis Hamilton will be accompanied by the departure of Carlos Sainz to Williams. During their four years of collaboration within the Scuderia, the Spaniard and the Monegasque had some disagreements. There have been many moments where, in the helmet, I hated him and he hated me, because we did not see the situation the same way.

The two drivers get along very, very well. Disagreements that may have arisen between them, like in Barcelona this year, have always been resolved properly: Everything was resolved after a discussion between the two of us. The Monegasque will keep good memories of the Spanish’s time at Ferrari. The two drivers notably shared six podiums together, including two doubles (Bahrain 2022 and Australia 2024). We share a lot of interests and have experienced many memorable moments that I will always remember, Charles Leclerc concluded.

Read also: Jock Clear: “Sainz’s victory in 2023 pushed Leclerc to improve his race pace”