Hamilton Surprised by Ferrari…read more
Lewis Hamilton has expressed his admiration for Charles Leclerc’s dedication and work ethic, admitting that this aspect of his new Ferrari teammate has been the biggest surprise for him so far.
Hamilton’s high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season has created one of the sport’s most exciting driver pairings, with the seven-time world champion teaming up with Leclerc, who has been Ferrari’s lead driver since 2019. As they prepare for their first season together, Hamilton has had the chance to observe Leclerc’s approach up close and has been particularly impressed by his commitment behind the scenes.
During the press conference ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton was asked what had surprised him most about his new teammate. After a lighthearted remark about Leclerc’s great hair, Hamilton revealed that it was his work ethic that stood out the most.
“I would say work ethic,” Hamilton said. “It’s been really good. I didn’t know that before because you don’t really know what happens behind closed doors.”
He elaborated on how every driver works hard in their own way, but seeing Leclerc’s process firsthand has been eye-opening. “Naturally, I think every driver works really hard, but everyone has a different method and how they achieve that ultimate performance. And it’s been really interesting to see. His is not too dissimilar to mine. And you just see a hardworking kid, just getting on with it,” Hamilton continued.
Leclerc has become synonymous with Ferrari, earning the nickname “Mr. Ferrari” due to his deep-rooted connection with the team. The Monegasque driver joined Ferrari’s young driver program early in his career, making his Formula 1 debut with Alfa Romeo (formerly Sauber) in 2018 before earning a promotion to Ferrari in 2019. Since then, he has raced alongside two high-profile teammates: four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and, more recently, Carlos Sainz. Now, with Hamilton as his teammate, Leclerc faces a new challenge alongside one of the most successful drivers in the history of the sport.
Hamilton acknowledged Leclerc’s strong bond with Ferrari, saying, “He’s obviously been in the team a long time. It’s his second team – obviously, the team he was with before was relatively short, and then he’s had this amazing time at Ferrari.”
Leclerc has played a crucial role in Ferrari’s recent resurgence, securing multiple race wins and consistently delivering strong performances despite the team’s struggles against dominant rivals like Red Bull and Mercedes. Now, with Hamilton’s arrival, Ferrari is aiming to take the next step in its journey back to championship glory.
Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz, who will leave Ferrari at the end of the season to make way for Hamilton, also shared his thoughts on Leclerc. Having partnered with Leclerc for three seasons, Sainz has built a competitive yet respectful rivalry with the Monegasque driver. Their battles on track have been intense but fair, showcasing their mutual respect and determination to push Ferrari forward.
The dynamic between Hamilton and Leclerc will be one of the most closely watched storylines of the 2025 Formula 1 season. With Hamilton bringing a wealth of experience and success to the team, Ferrari fans are eager to see how the two drivers will work together and whether they can challenge Red Bull for the championship.
As the season progresses, Hamilton’s comments suggest a strong foundation for teamwork between himself and Leclerc. While they will undoubtedly be competitors on track, their shared dedication and work ethic could be the key to Ferrari’s resurgence. The Australian Grand Prix will be the first true test of their partnership, and the Formula 1 world will be watching closely to see how the duo performs in their first race as teammates.
