Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have solid a relationship as team-mates at Ferrari, but it surely would not look possible they will be thought-about “greatest mates” anytime quickly
The arrival of a seven-time world champion to any Method 1 staff is certain to stir the pot. And that is precisely what’s occurred at Ferrari since Lewis Hamilton joined forces with Charles Leclerc.
Nevertheless, staff principal Frederic Vasseur is not too fussed about his drivers changing into quick mates, both. In reality, it seems the Frenchman would like to see a little bit of venom between his two drivers.
And the time could also be coming the place the connection between Hamilton and Leclerc is examined amid options Ferrari will mannequin their 2026 automobile across the former. Not that Ferrari’s chief will likely be shedding any sleep over the prospect of extra tensions.
“They’re getting alongside very properly, tremendous targeted and motivated, with nice mutual understanding,” Vasseur beforehand shared with Belgian outlet RTBF (through the Day by day Specific). “However there must be competitors.
“I do not need them to be greatest mates. Nor enemies, however above all, they should be rivals. It should keep that manner; they need to at all times push to outperform one another and be pushed by that. In any case, their mindset is wholesome and optimistic.”
Leclerc has been the face of Ferrari since 2020 however would possibly discover himself in a little bit of a tussle amid options Hamilton, 40, will quickly take extra priority. It is the form of transfer that might ruffle feathers, however Vasseur, who’s the topic of rumours about his personal future at Ferrari, appears fairly content material with some edge between comrades.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton has proven nothing however heat and respect in direction of his team-mate since becoming a member of Ferrari. The British driver has been filled with reward for Leclerc’s high quality and work ethic, airing his admiration of the Monegasque early on.
“Charles is massively proficient,” mentioned Hamilton mentioned throughout testing on the Bahrain Worldwide Circuit earlier this yr. “Attending to see him work reverse the desk and watching him within the storage, it has been actually, actually nice.
“Clearly he is been right here for a very long time, so he is aware of the staff properly, he speaks Italian, he is at house and relaxed. However as a result of we already had a friendship earlier than, that is made it quite a bit simpler to only get straight into working collectively.”
Hamilton described Leclerc as “extremely proficient” and expressed his eagerness to be taught from his youthful team-mate. Nevertheless, their camaraderie may very well be examined if Leclerc feels considerably sidelined at Maranello.
Former F1 star Jacques Villeneuve urged Hamilton’s dash win on the Chinese language Grand Prix earlier this season may need sparked jealousy in Leclerc. This might escalate if Hamilton turns into the lead driver for his or her 2026 automobile, though Leclerc has to this point responded maturely to the state of affairs.
Disregarding considerations about growth roles, the driving force made his priorities clear at Silverstone earlier in July. And that is still the nice of the staff over any particular person glory.
“I do not assume that is the issue, and I simply need the quickest automobile potential subsequent yr,” mentioned Leclerc when quizzed about Hamilton probably taking the lead on the brand new construct. “That is precisely what Lewis needs, after which wherever we’re subsequent yr, I will arrange the automobile in a manner that I like, and Lewis will do exactly the identical.”
Sky Sports activities launches discounted Method 1 package deal
£43
£35
Sky
Get Sky Sports activities right here
Method 1 followers can watch each observe, qualifying and race reside with Sky’s new Important TV and Sky Sports activities bundle in a brand new deal that saves £192.
In addition to Sky Sports activities entry, this contains greater than 100 TV channels and free subscriptions to Netflix and Discovery+.
