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Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc compared with one given ‘more complete’ verdict
Former Haas team boss Guenther Steiner recently shared his thoughts on Charles Leclerc’s abilities as a driver, especially in light of his upcoming partnership with Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari starting in 2025. While Steiner acknowledges Leclerc’s exceptional talent, he believes Hamilton’s experience and consistency make him a more “complete” driver. This insight comes as Hamilton prepares to leave Mercedes, where he secured six of his seven Drivers’ Championships, to join Ferrari.
Hamilton’s decision to activate an exit clause in his Mercedes contract has generated significant interest in the F1 community. He will join Leclerc, who has been a key part of Ferrari’s team since 2019, having risen through their Driver Academy. Steiner pointed out that while Leclerc may not currently be on the same level as Hamilton in terms of overall completeness, he possesses immense potential. He suggested that Leclerc could learn valuable lessons from Hamilton’s approach to racing, particularly regarding mistake management and race strategy.
Steiner emphasized that Hamilton’s ability to minimize errors during races is a hallmark of his success. He described Hamilton as a “very calculating” driver who is well-prepared and has a wealth of experience. This level of preparedness, according to Steiner, is something Leclerc can strive to emulate. He noted that Hamilton not only excels on the track but also manages various off-track commitments effectively, which adds to his overall effectiveness as a driver.
In Steiner’s view, while Leclerc has the speed and talent necessary to compete at a high level, he lacks the extensive experience that comes from years of racing at the top level, which Hamilton has in abundance. He believes that if Leclerc is astute, he will observe Hamilton’s methods and work toward achieving similar levels of success.
Podcast host Tom Clarkson chimed in, acknowledging Leclerc’s growth as a driver, particularly highlighted by his performance at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix in Monza. Leclerc executed a strategic one-stop race that led him to victory, showcasing a maturity in his racecraft that wasn’t as evident in previous seasons. Clarkson remarked that Leclerc’s execution of this strategy indicates significant progress in his racing abilities, suggesting that he is evolving and becoming more adept at handling complex race situations.
Currently, Leclerc is positioned third in the 2024 Drivers’ Championship standings, trailing behind McLaren’s Lando Norris and the leader, Max Verstappen of Red Bull, by a notable margin. This season, he has demonstrated flashes of brilliance that underline his potential, yet the competition remains fierce. The upcoming partnership with Hamilton could serve as a catalyst for further growth in Leclerc’s career, especially as he aims to match Hamilton’s impressive track record.
In summary, while Leclerc is undeniably talented, Steiner’s remarks underscore the importance of experience and the nuances of racecraft that Hamilton brings to the table. Leclerc’s opportunity to learn from Hamilton in a competitive environment like Ferrari could prove beneficial as he seeks to elevate his own performance. As both drivers prepare to take on the challenges ahead in 2025, their dynamic will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, with many curious to see how Leclerc can evolve alongside one of the sport’s all-time greats.
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