Charles Leclerc has instructed Sky Sports activities he’s relishing the “enormous alternative” of being team-mate to Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari within the 2025 season.
Little over six months earlier than Hamilton swaps Mercedes silver for Ferrari crimson in arguably F1’s biggest-ever switch transfer, Leclerc – who has solid a friendship together with his subsequent team-mate throughout his time within the sport – says he’s “actually wanting ahead” to pitting himself in opposition to the seven-time world champion.
“Lewis is probably the most profitable driver in F1 historical past and for me to have the ability to drive the identical automobile as Lewis is, first, an enormous alternative to study from the most effective ever, in addition to an enormous motivation to indicate what I am able to,” stated Leclerc in an interview with Sky Sports activities F1’s Rachel Brookes.
“So, I am actually enthusiastic about this new problem.
“And we have now an important relationship as nicely. I’ve a lot respect for Lewis and every little thing he has achieved and it is positively going to be a giant second of my profession to be in opposition to Lewis, clearly working collectively to convey Ferrari again on prime.
“It will likely be unimaginable to see the place I’m in comparison with Lewis.”
Leclerc, who is taken into account by some within the sport to be F1’s quickest driver over a single lap, added: “All of us have our specialities; all of us have our strengths and weaknesses. Clearly, within the case of Lewis, I am fairly certain that there are only a few weaknesses, however I can positively study from his strengths, so it will be tremendous attention-grabbing.”
The 2025 Ferrari team-mates have commonly been seen speaking to one another on drivers’ parades forward of races up to now this season.
Hamilton and Leclerc in dialog with Valtteri Bottas on the motive force parade in Canada
Requested what they’ve been discussing, Leclerc replied: “It is blended. Possibly somewhat bit about simply the best way it’s now with Ferrari and the place we’re at, however it is a little or no a part of our discussions as a result of clearly he is nonetheless 100 per cent centered on his season this 12 months in Mercedes, so we can’t trade about every little thing but, after all.
“However simply in preparation of subsequent 12 months possibly on our widespread passions that are design and vogue basically.
“However then I feel 80 or 90 per cent of what we discuss is extra about personal stuff and nearly how life goes, music and all of those sorts of issues, which is at all times good.”
Hamilton: No regrets over Ferrari transfer amid Mercedes beneficial properties
Ferrari at the moment sit second to world champions Crimson Bull within the Constructors’ Championship, two locations forward of Hamilton’s present group Mercedes, and have gained two races up to now this season.
Nonetheless, final month’s Monaco GP – which Leclerc gained impressively – apart, Ferrari have in any other case been supplanted by McLaren as Crimson Bull’s nearest challengers, whereas they’ve additionally been outperformed by an enhancing Mercedes on the final two occasions too.
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Sky Sports activities F1’s Harry Benjamin believes Lewis Hamilton has rediscovered his ‘mojo’ after securing his first podium of the season in Spain. You possibly can take heed to the most recent episode of the Sky Sports activities F1 Podcast now.
That latter turnaround led to Hamilton being requested after final Sunday’s Spanish GP – the place he claimed his first podium end of the season – whether or not he was having second ideas about his transfer to Italy.
“No, in no way,” stated Hamilton.
“I imply, firstly, I really like Mercedes. I have been with Mercedes since I used to be 13 and I am going to at all times be a fan and supporter of Mercedes. And my job this 12 months, proper now, is to work as arduous as I can with the crew that I’ve, with the individuals again on the manufacturing unit to try to transfer and develop the automobile in the fitting course.
“And so finally, no matter course and trajectory the group is on for subsequent 12 months, for instance, there are issues that I’ve hopefully been part of and be happy with being part of.
“My job will begin subsequent 12 months on the different group who I feel are doing an important job. I feel they’ve had a few tough races, however let’s not neglect they’d a race win in Monaco.
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Watch the 360 onboard digital camera as Lewis Hamilton pushed previous Carlos Sainz to take P6 on the Spanish Grand Prix.
“I can not let you know what’s improper with their automobile and why they’re within the place they’re in at present. However they did convey an improve right here, and I feel they’re positively progressing, nevertheless it does not make me second guess my determination in any respect.”
Sky Sports activities F1’s stay Austrian GP schedule
Thursday June 27
12.30pm: Drivers’ Press Convention
Friday June 28
7.50am: F3 Observe
9am: F2 Observe
11am: Austrian GP Observe One (session begins at 11.30am)
12.55pm: F3 Qualifying
1.50pm: F2 Qualifying
3pm: Austrian GP Dash Qualifying (session begins at 3.30pm)*
Saturday June 29
8.25am: F3 Dash
10am: Austrian GP Dash (race begins at 11am)*
12.25pm: F2 Dash
2pm: Austrian GP Qualifying build-up
3pm: Austrian GP Qualifying
5pm: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book
Sunday June 30
7.25am: F3 Function Race
8.55am: F2 Function Race
12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Austrian GP build-up*
2pm: The AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Chequered Flag: Austrian GP response*
5pm: Ted’s Pocket book
*additionally stay on Sky Sports activities Most important Occasion
F1’s triple-header continues on the Austrian Grand Prix this coming week – with the Dash format returning on the Crimson Bull Ring. Watch each session stay on Sky Sports activities F1, with Sunday’s large race at 2pm. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime