F1 News Today: Hamilton and Leclerc Ferrari jealously hinted as F1 t…..read more
In a recent development that’s stirred the Formula 1 paddock, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has made comments suggesting a hint of tension—or perhaps even jealousy—between current Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc and his future teammate, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton. Vasseur’s remarks came amid growing anticipation surrounding Hamilton’s much-anticipated move to Ferrari for the 2025 season.
Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes after a long and highly successful tenure has sent shockwaves through the motorsport world. Joining Ferrari, the most iconic team in Formula 1 history, adds a new layer of intrigue to the already high-stakes nature of the sport. While fans and pundits alike are eagerly speculating about how Hamilton will fare in red, there’s another angle that’s now receiving attention—how Leclerc is processing this change within the team dynamic.
During a recent interview, Vasseur made comments that subtly pointed to the psychological impact Hamilton’s arrival might be having on Leclerc. While the team principal didn’t directly state that Leclerc is jealous, his words suggested that the Monegasque driver is very much aware of the shifting focus and the spotlight Hamilton is bringing to the team even before his official arrival.
Vasseur noted that such internal rivalries and emotional reactions are normal in a high-performance environment like Formula 1. He emphasized that all top drivers have a strong desire to be the center of attention and to feel the full support of their team. When a figure as prominent as Lewis Hamilton joins the ranks, it inevitably creates a ripple effect—even among established stars like Leclerc.
It’s important to note that Leclerc has been the team’s golden boy since joining Ferrari in 2019. Over the years, he has earned a reputation as a fiercely talented and ambitious driver who has carried the hopes of the Scuderia. He’s also been seen as a long-term project for Ferrari, with the team heavily investing in his growth and development. Now, with Hamilton entering the picture, the internal dynamics are poised to shift dramatically.
Vasseur’s comments came as Ferrari announced a switch in their pre-season testing location, moving from Barcelona to Bahrain. While the team has cited strategic and logistical reasons for this change, some insiders believe it could also be part of a broader plan to start integrating Hamilton into the team culture ahead of time. Bahrain offers a neutral, less politically charged environment than Europe, and it might provide a more controlled setting for Ferrari to begin the complex process of preparing for their new driver lineup in 2025.
Speculation is also rising around how Ferrari will manage the relationship between Hamilton and Leclerc. Both are elite drivers, and both will want to be the team leader. Historically, intra-team rivalries at Ferrari have had mixed outcomes, sometimes leading to championship contention, and other times causing internal strife that affects performance.
For now, Vasseur has stated that both drivers are professionals and that the team is focused on finishing the current season strong. However, the undertones in his recent statements suggest that behind the scenes, Ferrari is already preparing for a significant transition—not just technically, but emotionally and strategically as well.
As the 2024 season progresses, all eyes will be on how Leclerc responds to the looming presence of Hamilton and how Ferrari handles this potentially combustible pairing. One thing is certain: the Scuderia is entering a new and fascinating chapter in its storied F1 history.
