After a month's summer break, the Formula 1 returns to action this weekend in Zandvoort. For the Scuderia FerrariThe start of the new school year is no small matter: it promises to be another crucial stage in a season of intersecting hopes and doubts. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton spoke on the eve of the Dutch Grand Prix, each with their own state of mind and vision for the rest of the championship.
Charles Leclerc: the shadow of Budapest and the praise of McLaren
For Charles Leclerc, the truce was not enough to erase the bitter memories of Budapest. The Monegasque had taken pole position and led for two-thirds of the Grand Prix, before collapsing in the final stint and finishing off the podium. Speculation has been rife ever since. George Russell had suggested that Ferrari had deliberately increased tire pressure to protect the SF-25's flat bottom and avoid a technical penalty.
Questioned in Zandvoort, Leclerc chose to cut to the chase:
"Russell's words? I don't intend to comment and I'm not really interested. The situation is much more complex than he described, but I'm not going to go into details. It's something we're working on, and it's much more complicated than that".
Although he doesn't want to dwell on this setback, Leclerc did admit that the current hierarchy surprised everyone, including himself. There was a time, not so long ago, when he thought it would be impossible to compete with Red Bull until the regulations were changed. But McLaren has reshuffled the deck:
"I was wrong. McLaren proved us wrong. They've found something we haven't, and you have to give them credit for an incredible job. Now it's up to us to react, even if it's a bit late.
Lewis Hamilton: rediscovering the joy of driving
For his part, Lewis Hamilton is approaching the new season with a calmer philosophy. At the age of 40, the seven-time world champion knows that the second half of the season won't bring any miracles in the standings, but he intends to take advantage of it to rediscover his pleasure behind the wheel.
"I've totally disconnected this summer and I'm feeling determined and motivated. We're going to work hard, keep our heads down, but also try to remember why we're here: because we love what we do. There was a lot of pressure in the first half of the season, and I want to get back to enjoying myself a bit more," he confided.
Nevertheless, Hamilton stresses that to "have fun", the SF-25 must continue to progress. The latest developments seem to be heading in the right direction:
"We're going step by step, extracting more potential little by little. With the new parts, we're starting to tune the car better. I hope this weekend will be even better.
Finally, Hamilton was keen to point out that difficulties are nothing new to him, and that he sees them as part of the process:
"I've been there many times. I've never won my first race. It's these difficult moments that pave the way for future success. I believe deeply in this team and in what we can achieve together.
Between doubts and hopes
Leclerc, still scarred by the frustration of Hungary but determined to react, and Hamilton ready to turn the pressure into positive energy. In a championship where McLaren is the surprise guest and Red Bull remains formidable, Scuderia Ferrari must find the resources to raise its game. Zandvoort will be the first test of the second half of the season. The tifosi are waiting for answers. Leclerc and Hamilton, each in their own way, have promised to seek them out on the track.
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