Leclerc reveals what ‘surprised’ him from working with Hamilton at Ferrari as he…read more
Charles Leclerc has shared his thoughts on working alongside Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, revealing that he was “surprised” by the similarities in their driving styles. Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019, spoke candidly about the experience of collaborating with Hamilton, who officially joined the Scuderia in January.
Leclerc acknowledged the differences in their respective situations, particularly noting how his own journey to Ferrari was distinct from Hamilton’s. When Leclerc joined Ferrari, he had only one year of Formula 1 experience with Sauber, making the entire transition to the prestigious team an overwhelming experience. Leclerc had to learn how Ferrari operates in the highly competitive world of F1, despite his familiarity with the factory through the Ferrari Driver Academy.
On the other hand, Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari is somewhat different. While it’s a new environment for him, having spent his entire F1 career at Mercedes, Hamilton comes to the team as a celebrated legend of the sport. Leclerc recognized this contrast but emphasized that Hamilton’s vast experience and accomplishments make the transition to Ferrari smoother. Leclerc pointed out how Hamilton’s established status in F1 allows him to bring a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge to the Scuderia.
Despite their different backgrounds, Leclerc was pleasantly surprised by the similarities between his and Hamilton’s driving styles. The Monegasque driver described this as a positive aspect for the team, as both drivers share a similar approach to racing. This alignment could potentially help Ferrari progress as the team seeks to build a strong, unified front with two world-class drivers at the helm.
Leclerc also reflected on Hamilton’s “immersion programme,” which has been designed to help the British driver adapt to his new team. This programme has been instrumental in helping Hamilton familiarize himself with Ferrari’s setup, and it has also allowed him to bond with his new teammate. Their recent collaboration at the F1 75 Live event, where they revealed Ferrari’s new livery, was another step in solidifying their relationship.
During the pre-season testing in Bahrain, Leclerc was asked about Hamilton’s emotions as he adjusts to life at Ferrari, something Leclerc had experienced in his own way when he first joined the team. Leclerc admitted it was nice to see Hamilton going through similar feelings of anticipation and adjustment. The entire process has allowed them to connect and better understand each other as they look to make their mark at Ferrari together.
In summary, Leclerc expressed his excitement about working with Hamilton and was pleased to discover their driving styles are quite similar. This connection bodes well for Ferrari’s future, with both drivers bringing their strengths and experience to the table as they aim for success in the upcom
ing season.
