While Charles Leclerc hopes to “learn” from Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton, he also warned that he is motivated to “show what I’m capable of” against Formula 1’s most successful driver.
In what turned out to be a hectic offseason, Hamilton announced that his dream of joining Ferrari would finally come true in 2025, as he now works his way into a final season with Mercedes, the team with which he won six. of his seven world championships.
Ferrari was busy ahead of the 2024 F1 crusade with contract renewals, with Leclerc securing a new multi-year contract, the team opting to hire Hamilton rather than stick with Sainz, and Leclerc admitting it was an option he knew was there just a few months before confirmation.
Asked via Fox Sports if Hamilton’s bombshell came as a surprise or if he had been warned through Ferrari, Leclerc replied: “I knew for several months that it was an option that was on the table.
“Obviously, it’s still wonderful to know that there were opportunities for that to happen.
“But still, I had a really amazing relationship with Carlos. We’ve had some amazing years together, some tougher years as well in combination as a team because the functionality wasn’t exactly what we wanted, but still. “We’ve worked incredibly well in combination and are looking forward to this last year in combination to finish it in the most productive way imaginable.
“And then, obviously, Lewis will sign up for the team, which is a challenge for me, because it’s the most successful engine in the history of F1. And it’ll be wonderful to have him as a teammate. “
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However, when told that this would be the opportunity to get to know from the driver the maximum number of wins, poles, podiums and joint titles in the history of F1, Leclerc pointed out that there is another aspect to this as well.
Rather than just being a sponge and absorbing Hamilton’s lessons, Leclerc knows exactly what effect it will have on his reputation if he fights Hamilton, which he intends to do.
“Of course, Lewis will report back to me,” Leclerc said, “it’s also an opportunity for me to show what I’m capable of doing, what I see as an exciting challenge. “
“And yes, I think it’s going to be fantastic. “
It’s a case of combined luck for Leclerc and Hamilton at the start of F1 2024, with Leclerc standing on the podium twice in the first three rounds, while Hamilton has yet to finish above seventh.
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