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 pals” anytime quickly
The arrival of a seven-time world champion to any Formulation 1 staff is sure to stir the pot. And that is precisely what’s occurred at Ferrari since Lewis Hamilton joined forces with Charles Leclerc.
Nonetheless, staff principal Frederic Vasseur is not too fussed about his drivers changing into quick pals, both. The truth is, it seems the Frenchman would favor 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 automotive across the former. Not that Ferrari’s chief can be dropping any sleep over the prospect of extra tensions.
“They’re getting alongside very effectively, tremendous targeted and motivated, with nice mutual understanding,” Vasseur beforehand shared with Belgian outlet RTBF (by way of the Every day Specific). “However there must be competitors.
“I do not need them to be greatest pals. Nor enemies, however above all, they have to be rivals. It should keep that means; they need to all the time 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 may 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 would 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 the 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,” stated Hamilton stated throughout testing on the Bahrain Worldwide Circuit earlier this 12 months. “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 effectively, he speaks Italian, he is at residence and relaxed. However as a result of we already had a friendship earlier than, that is made it loads 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. Nonetheless, their camaraderie might 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 might need sparked jealousy in Leclerc. This might escalate if Hamilton turns into the lead driver for his or her 2026 automotive, though Leclerc has to date responded maturely to the scenario.
Disregarding issues about improvement roles, the driving force made his priorities clear at Silverstone earlier in July. And that continues to be the nice of the staff over any particular person glory.
“I do not suppose that is the issue, and I simply need the quickest automotive potential subsequent 12 months,” stated Leclerc when quizzed about Hamilton probably taking the lead on the brand new construct. “That is precisely what Lewis desires, after which wherever we’re subsequent 12 months, I will arrange the automotive in a means that I like, and Lewis will do exactly the identical.”
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