F1 Ferrari Switch: Leclerc describes Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari as ‘crazy’ after…

Leclerc describes Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari as ‘crazy’ after…read more

Charles Leclerc has expressed his excitement and anticipation ahead of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, calling the prospect of sharing the same team as the seven-time Formula 1 world champion “crazy.” Hamilton, who is set to conclude his historic 12-year stint with Mercedes after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend, will join Ferrari for the 2025 season, marking one of the most significant driver transfers in recent F1 history.

Speaking at the Yas Marina Circuit ahead of the final race of the season, Leclerc opened up about the challenge and opportunity that lies ahead with Hamilton joining Ferrari. “It’s going to be crazy having Lewis as a teammate because he’s such an incredible driver,” Leclerc said during an interview with AFP. “He’s the most successful driver in the history of Formula 1, so competing alongside him will be a huge challenge. I’m really looking forward to learning from him, but at the same time, I’m eager to show what I can do and prove myself next to him.”

Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari will coincide with the departure of Carlos Sainz, who has been with the Italian team for three seasons. Sainz has contributed significantly to Ferrari’s campaign this year, securing two victories that have kept Ferrari in contention for the Constructors’ Championship. However, Hamilton’s move marks Ferrari’s intention to make a serious push for dominance in the sport after years of being unable to consistently challenge for titles.

Ferrari heads into this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with an outside shot at winning their first Constructors’ Championship since 2008. With three victories from Leclerc and two from Sainz, the team sits in second place in the standings, 21 points behind McLaren. While it will be a tall order to overtake McLaren in the final race, Leclerc remains cautiously optimistic about Ferrari’s chances.

“It’s still possible,” Leclerc said, referring to the team’s chances of winning the title. “But we know it’s not going to be easy. We’ll need to deliver an exceptional performance, and McLaren would have to face some difficulties for us to come out on top. We’re going to give it our all, but we’re realistic about the challenge ahead.”

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is already creating immense buzz within the F1 community. The combination of one of the sport’s most decorated drivers and Ferrari, one of its most legendary teams, has both fans and pundits eager to see how the partnership will evolve. Many are curious to witness what Hamilton can achieve with Ferrari, a team that has been looking to reclaim its former glory for over a decade.

For Leclerc, however, the 2025 season will be more than just about having Hamilton as a teammate—it will be an opportunity to solidify his own standing within Ferrari and in the sport. The Monegasque driver has consistently impressed with his speed and determination since joining Ferrari, and while he acknowledges the learning potential from partnering with Hamilton, he is also determined to make his own mark.

“Having Lewis as a teammate is going to be exciting, but I also want to show what I’m capable of,” Leclerc added. “There’s a lot of anticipation around what we can do together, and I believe it’s going to be a great challenge for both of us. Ferrari has a rich history, and we both want to add to that.”

The 2025 season promises to be one of the most intriguing in recent F1 history, as Ferrari aims to end its 16-year title drought and return to the top of the sport with one of its most promising driver lineups in years.