Charles Leclerc Clarifies Stance on Lewis Hamilton as ...read more

Charles Leclerc Clarifies Stance on Lewis Hamilton as Ferrari R…read more

Charles Leclerc has moved to put speculation to rest regarding his feelings about Lewis Hamilton’s upcoming arrival at Ferrari, after a weekend of high drama involving confusing team orders and emotionally charged radio messages.

Following a chaotic race that saw strategic missteps and internal tensions play out in real time, Leclerc used his post-race interviews to assert that he is not only comfortable with Hamilton’s signing but sees it as a positive step for the Scuderia.

“I Respect Lewis, and I Welcome the Challenge”

“There’s absolutely no bad feeling. I respect Lewis enormously for what he’s done in the sport,” Leclerc told reporters. “We are both very competitive, but that’s exactly what Ferrari needs—to have two drivers pushing the limits. It will be a challenge, yes, but I welcome that.”

Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, is set to join Ferrari in 2025 after a stunning switch from Mercedes was announced earlier this year. The pairing of Hamilton and Leclerc is already being billed as one of the most high-profile and high-pressure driver lineups in Ferrari’s modern history.

Tension on the Airwaves

During the recent race, fans and pundits were quick to pick up on Leclerc’s apparent irritation over the team radio, especially in response to unclear strategy instructions and what appeared to be preferential treatment of teammate Carlos Sainz.

At one point, Leclerc could be heard questioning the logic of Ferrari’s decisions, stating, “You’re putting me in a really difficult situation here.” The radio exchanges fueled speculation that Leclerc was feeling sidelined or disrespected by the team—an accusation he has since denied.

“I was frustrated in the moment because the communication wasn’t clear. That happens. But it doesn’t change my belief in this team or in what we are building together,” he said.

Vasseur Intervenes

Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur also addressed the issue in the post-race media session, admitting that there were “miscommunications” during the race but defending his drivers’ conduct and commitment.

“We know emotions run high, especially when fighting for strong results. Both Charles and Carlos were acting in the team’s interest, even if it didn’t come across that way,” Vasseur said. “We’ve had discussions internally, and we’re aligned on how to avoid similar issues in the future.”

Looking Ahead to 2025

Leclerc’s reassurance comes at a critical time for Ferrari, which is under intense scrutiny to return to championship contention after years of inconsistency. With Hamilton joining the ranks, the team is looking to harness the strengths of both drivers without letting internal rivalries derail its progress.

Leclerc has been with Ferrari since 2019 and has consistently voiced his desire to bring a world championship back to Maranello. While some had questioned how he would react to the arrival of such a high-profile teammate, his recent comments suggest he is more focused than ever.

“We need to be united if we want to beat Red Bull and Mercedes. That’s the priority. I’m here for Ferrari, not for personal glory,” he concluded.

As the 2025 season approaches, the Formula 1 world will be watching closely to see how this star-studded partnership unfolds—and whether Ferrari can finally capitalize on its potetial.