Charles Leclerc's stance on being No.2 driver to Lewis Hamilton as Ferrari decide plan

Charles Leclerc’s stance on being No.2 driver to Lewis Hamilton as Ferrari decide plan

Ferrari are reportedly planning to wait for a few races in the upcoming Formula 1 season before officially determining their driver hierarchy. Historically, Charles Leclerc has been seen as the lead driver at Ferrari, especially during his partnership with Carlos Sainz, who has since departed the team. However, the arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari has complicated matters, and it is unclear who will be considered the team’s primary driver moving forward.

As the 2025 season rapidly approaches, reports from Italy indicate that Ferrari is willing to take a more patient approach in establishing a clear number-one driver. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Scuderia team plans to hold off on naming their preferred driver until both Leclerc and Hamilton have had the opportunity to get acclimated to the car and the season’s dynamics. Ferrari believes that waiting a few races will allow both drivers to showcase their abilities in the early rounds, which will help the team make a more informed decision about who will lead the team throughout the season.

This strategy, however, might come with some risks. Delaying the decision on who will be the number-one driver could create an opening for rival teams like Red Bull or McLaren to seize an early advantage in the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. If Ferrari’s internal situation isn’t clear from the outset, it could create confusion within the team and potentially hamper their chances in the competitive early part of the season. Despite these concerns, Ferrari’s leadership believes that this patient approach will ultimately position them better for long-term success.

Leclerc, 27, may be hesitant about Ferrari’s decision to leave the driver hierarchy unclear for the first few races. With his prime years as a driver ahead of him, Leclerc is reportedly unwilling to play second fiddle to Hamilton, regardless of the team’s broader strategy. The situation is complicated by the fact that Leclerc has been Ferrari’s standout driver for several years, and he is not likely to accept a secondary role without a fight. If Ferrari does eventually choose to establish a clear number-one driver and a number-two driver, it would mark a departure from the approach taken by Fred Vasseur, who became Ferrari’s team principal in 2023.

Vasseur had previously emphasized a more egalitarian philosophy during his tenure, particularly during the time when both Leclerc and Sainz were teammates. Vasseur publicly stated that there was no need to establish a strict hierarchy, as both Leclerc and Sainz were highly skilled drivers capable of delivering top performances. Ferrari’s plan, under Vasseur, was to ensure that both drivers were given equal resources, the same car, and a level playing field in terms of support. This approach was meant to foster a sense of fairness within the team, allowing both drivers to compete for victories on equal terms.

However, with the arrival of Hamilton, a more experienced and historically successful driver, Ferrari’s philosophy may shift. The team now has three top-tier drivers, and it’s clear that such a situation might necessitate a more defined structure in order to ensure clarity and cohesion within the team. Ferrari’s leadership will have to balance the need for competition between the drivers with the necessity of maintaining harmony and focus within the team