Alexandre
It's the most eagerly-awaited transfer in recent years in Formula 1 : Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, will leave Mercedes to join Ferrari in 2025. A thunderclap in the world of motorsport, which could upset the balance of power between teams and drivers. But what does Charles Leclerc, the young Monegasque prodigy who has been driving for Scuderia since 2019, think? According to some sources, he's not as enthusiastic as you might think.
Contract extension with a surprise
Charles Leclerc, 26, is one of the most talented and popular drivers of his generation. He joined Ferrari in 2019, after a remarkable season with Sauber (now Stake). In his first year with the Reds, he impressed with his speed, daring and maturity.
Faced with its results, Ferrari has not hesitated to extend its contract until 2026This makes him the highest-paid driver on the grid, with an estimated annual salary of 40 million euros. A mark of confidence and recognition for Leclerc, who has always shown his attachment to the Prancing Horse marque. "I'm very happy to be staying at Ferrari. It's a dream come true for me. I feel at home here, and I want to contribute to the history of this legendary team," he declared when announcing his extension.
But a few days later, another piece of news went viral: Lewis Hamilton, the most successful driver in F1 history, will be joining Ferrari in 2025, after completing his contract with Mercedes. The transfer came as a surprise to everyone, including Leclerc, who was reportedly not informed of the decision by his managers. According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Leclerc is unhappy behind the scenes at Ferrari, feeling betrayed and threatened by the Briton's arrival.
A major challenge for Leclerc
Lewis Hamilton, 39, is without doubt the most dominant driver of his generation. He has won seven world titles, including six with Mercedes. He is considered one of the greatest drivers of all time, and has no intention of hanging up his helmet any time soon. He signed a two-year contract with Mercedes in 2023, with an option for 2025, which he ultimately decided not to exercise. He has chosen to take on a new challenge with Ferrari, F1's most prestigious and popular team, but which has not won a title since 2008.
Hamilton explained the reasons for his choice in an interview with the BBC: "I'm very grateful to Mercedes for everything they've done for me. Together we have written an incredible page in F1 history. But I felt I needed a change, a new motivation. Ferrari is a team that has always fascinated me, ever since I was a child. It's an honor to be able to wear these colors, and to perpetuate the Ferrari myth. I'm looking forward to working with Charles, who is an exceptional driver and a great guy. I think we'll make a formidable duo, and that we'll be able to take Ferrari back to the top."
But what is an opportunity for Hamilton may be a risk for Leclerc. Indeed, the Monegasque will have to contend with a very high-level team-mate, who could overshadow him and challenge his status as leader. Leclerc, who has always been used to dominating his team-mates, whether Vettel or Sainz, will have to fight to defend his place and his reputation. He will also dealing with media pressure which will undoubtedly be stronger with Hamilton at its side.
Leclerc reacted diplomatically to the announcement of Hamilton's transfer, I'd like to congratulate Lewis on his courageous and ambitious choice. He's a great champion, and I'm delighted to be able to share the driver's seat with him at Ferrari. I'm sure we'll learn from each other, and work together for the good of the team. I'm ready to take on this challenge, and to measure myself against the best."
A winning duo for Ferrari?
Ferrari is rubbing its hands in this historic transfer.which could mark the start of a new era for the Italian team. After years of drought, Ferrari seems to have regained competitiveness in 2023, thanks to a new management team led by Frédéric Vasseur, and a new single-seater, the SF23, which has enabled Leclerc and Sainz to fight regularly for podiums and victories. With Hamilton and Leclerc as drivers, Ferrari hopes to be in a position to challenge for the title in 2025, and to take advantage of the change in regulations scheduled for 2026, which could reshuffle the cards in the team hierarchy.
Ferrari president John Elkann was delighted with Hamilton's arrival, whom he considers "the best driver in the world". He added: "We're very proud to be able to count on Lewis for 2025. He is an exceptional driver, but also a charismatic and committed personality. He represents Ferrari's values perfectly, and will be able to pass on his experience and passion to the whole team. With him and Charles, we have the strongest duo in F1, and we're convinced they'll help us return to glory."
Piero Ferrari, Enzo's son and the 10% owner of Ferrari, also praised the choice. of Hamilton, whom he sees as "an heir to the Ferrari myth". He said: "Lewis is a driver who has left his mark on the history of F1, and who has always had respect and admiration for Ferrari. It is an honor for us to welcome him into the Ferrari family, and to give him the opportunity to pursue his dream. I'm sure he'll get on well with Charles, who is a future champion. They're going to make a formidable pair, one that will thrill tifosi the world over."
Obviously, this is bad news for Charles Leclerc, as Hamilton is on a different level to Sainz.
If Hamilton wins against Leclerc, it'll be bad news for the latter.
Who's been doing Scuderia Ferrari proud since 2019! Really?
I find that he behaves like a diva, can't handle stress and often ends up in a carafe.
c'est la vie , if he doesn't beat lewis his career is over
I don't think he's finished because other teams are interested in him, but he'll be complaining for sure.
Leclerc complain 😂😂🤦♀️
Yes, complaining, as we saw again last year.
It's a stab in the back for Leclerc.
I say stab, because Ferrari will want Hamilton to win a title with Ferrari (for the sake of publicity and panache, provided Ferrari performs well) and Leclerc will have to bow out to let Hamilton win every time he's better.
He'll never be world champion as long as Hamilton is by his side.
big blow for charles!! he's going to understand who's who, who's the champion, he's 26 years old and hasn't won anything!! he's going to be eaten alive the kid from monaco!
Absolutely not, you're dreaming
what did he do to you to be so mean to him there's no one nicer than this kid the whole grid says it and don't take me out with a silver spoon!
He's always complaining, as we saw again last year and the years before. He makes a lot of mistakes and if Ferrari really wants to win it would have done better to save its money with these 2 divas and take Verstappen junior. Being nice means nothing in F1 because it's like saying a runner-up 🐬 is nice in a school of piranhas! He's likely to get a slap in the face with Hamilton and already Sainz last year is the only one who won a grand prix. He spent his time complaining that his teammate didn't help him but we didn't see Leclerc helping Sainz either. He's overestimated by some, that's all.
The one who complains even more than Leclerc is Sainz.
We've had two crybabies at Ferrari, and that's not the way to make Ferrari progress.
I agree that while Leclerc is very fast, he makes too many mistakes.
Géraldine
Yes, I'm afraid so, but in a way it might push Ferrari to take on a real champion worthy of Schumacher, which is Verstappen.
So they repeat the Corriere della article with the Italian journalist who was fired from Ferrari.
No reflection Leclerc knew Hamilton was coming before he signed if he didn't like it, all he had to do was tell Toto.
The nearest newspaper says all is well
It's not Leclerc who decides who to hire as a driver, but Elkhan, so whether he's happy or not wouldn't have made any difference, since Elkhan absolutely wanted Hamilton.