Lewis Hamilton vs Charles Leclerc discussed by Ferrari as F1 arrival questioned

06 February 2024 , 07:41

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Charles Leclerc will work with Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari (Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Ferrari are confident that Lewis Hamilton can work in harmony with Charles Leclerc, despite the two both wanting to be the number one driver.

News of Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari shocked the Formula 1 world last week and the dust is now beginning to settle. The 39-year-old Brit has replaced Carlos Sainz at Ferrari and will partner Leclerc next season.

Leclerc came through the Ferrari driver academy and has been driving for the manufacturer since 2019. The 26-year-old Monegasque has been working hard and biding his time and the shock arrival of Hamilton could put a cat amongst the pigeons.

Corriere dello Sport has reported that Leclerc and his team ‘were shocked and disappointed by Ferrari’s decision’ to bring in Hamilton. They reportedly ‘had no idea what was about to happen’ and have felt blindsided by the move.

But Piero Ferrari, who is the team’s vice chairman and a son of company founder Enzo, is convinced that it will work out. The 78-year-old is “personally very happy” about Hamilton’s arrival and believes the seven-time World Champion is a “perfect match” for Ferrari.

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“Charles is the champion of the future, Ferrari believes in him and has proved it, I think,” he told Italian journalist Leo Turrini, via Planet F1. “Hamilton is Hamilton. I don’t see why they should fight.”

Leclerc has previously spoken positively about Hamilton, when he was rumoured to be moving to Ferrari last year. "Lewis is such an incredible driver, has achieved so much in the sport, so I think anybody on the grid would love to have Lewis as a team-mate, as everybody would learn a lot from him,” he said. “But again, I'm happy where I am, and with Carlos [Sainz] it's a great relationship too."

Lewis Hamilton will be the first Briton since Nigel Mansell to race for Ferrari (Formula 1 via Getty Images)

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Hamilton is relishing the prospect of working with a new team. He said: "I'm excited to see what I can bring to this new opportunity and what we can do together.

"However, right now, I’m not thinking about 2025. My focus is on the upcoming season and getting back out on track with Mercedes. I am more driven than ever, I am fitter and more focussed than than ever and I want to help Mercedes win once again.

"I am 100 per cent committed to the job I need to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on a high. Thank you to all of you who have been on this journey with me, you have all lifted me up as I chase my dreams and I hope I can continue to make you proud. As always, sending you my love and positive energy."

Felix Keith