Leclerc Highlights Ferrari Perks as Hamilton Prepares to Join Team

Leclerc Highlights Ferrari Perks as Hamilton Prepares to Join Team

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s star driver since 2019, has revealed a unique privilege he enjoys with the Italian team—one that incoming teammate Lewis Hamilton can look forward to. Speaking on the Box Box Box podcast, Leclerc shared that Ferrari allows its drivers access to some of its most iconic cars, a perk he considers “very special.” When asked if he could request to drive any Ferrari he desires, Leclerc confirmed, “I’m pretty sure that if I ask, ‘I would like to drive this car,’ then Ferrari would make it happen.”

Hamilton, a seven-time World Champion, will join Ferrari next season after a successful 12-year stint with Mercedes, during which he clinched six of his titles. The Briton’s move to Ferrari marks a major shift in Formula 1, as he takes the seat of Carlos Sainz, who will head to Williams in 2024. Sainz’s departure will see him participate in post-season testing with his new team in Abu Dhabi.

Leclerc, a graduate of Ferrari’s driver academy, reflected on his close partnership with Sainz, describing their relationship as “very special.” Despite their strong camaraderie, Leclerc expressed excitement about teaming up with Hamilton, who is regarded as Formula 1’s most statistically successful driver.

Discussing the anticipated dynamics with Hamilton, Leclerc acknowledged the challenges and opportunities that come with sharing a garage with such a seasoned champion. “Well, I don’t know yet, he hasn’t joined the team yet, but for sure, it’s going to be very special,” Leclerc remarked. “We’ve always had a very special relationship with Carlos, and we have worked extremely well together. But looking forward, Lewis is obviously a seven-time World Champion, the most successful driver in Formula 1 ever, so it’s going to be a big challenge for me, but I’m really looking forward to it.”

Leclerc emphasized the learning potential that comes with having Hamilton as a teammate, noting that competing in identical machinery will provide both a valuable benchmark and a motivation to prove his own capabilities. “On one side, I will be able to learn from Lewis in the same car as him, which is great,” he said. “But as well as trying to prove what I’m capable of in the same car as Lewis, and this is a big motivation for me.”

Hamilton’s arrival at Maranello is one of the most significant storylines heading into the 2024 season, with fans eagerly anticipating the partnership between the experienced champion and Ferrari’s young talent. The move signifies a fresh chapter for both drivers, as Leclerc prepares to test himself against a driver of Hamilton’s caliber while Hamilton embarks on a new journey with the iconic Scuderia.

In the meantime, Leclerc continues to enjoy the perks of being a Ferrari driver. Beyond the on-track battles, his access to Ferrari’s legendary vehicles serves as a reminder of the prestige associated with the team. “This is obviously very, very special,” he noted, emphasizing the unique bond between Ferrari and its drivers.

As Hamilton gets ready to don the famous red suit, the collaboration between the two could redefine Ferrari’s trajectory in the sport, blending Leclerc’s youthful energy with Hamilton’s vast experience in a bid to return the team to championship glory.