How can Charles Leclerc avoid losing Ferrari’s control to Lewis Hamilton?
Lewis Hamilton's arrival to Scuderia Ferrari in 2025 could turn into an uphill challenge for Charles Leclerc.
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton (via Planetf1)
Lewis Hamilton will finally become a Ferrari driver this year. The seven-time world champion partners Charles Leclerc at Maranello for the upcoming season. However, the Briton’s arrival could raise questions over Leclerc’s hold within the team.
Hamilton joins the Scuderia on a lucrative multi-year deal. Team boss Fred Vasseur ensured that the 40-year-old would not say no to joining the Italian team in what seems to be the final leg of his career. Many sponsors have followed the Briton in partnering with Ferrari as well.
The seven-time world champion has high ambitions for his stint at Maranello. Many experts reckon that all of Italy is eagerly waiting for Lewis Hamilton‘s debut in red. The preseason hype has almost overlooked Charles Leclerc so far.
Charles Leclerc needs firm grip on Ferrari
Leclerc was part of the Ferrari driver academy. The Monegasque driver joined the Scuderia in 2019 after a brief stint at Alfa Romeo Sauber. The 27-year-old made the team his own as he went to outperform four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel as teammates. Even during Carlos Sainz‘s tenure at Maranello, Charles Leclerc remained the better performing driver.
Lewis Hamilton’s move is far different with a lot more at stake. The Briton would be looking to lead the Italian squad from day 1. Leclerc must ensure that his voice is as loud as his new teammate with the entire team, perhaps making use of his long-standing relationship with the employees.
The most important part for the Monegasque would be on-track performances. The 27-year-old must lead from the front and outperform Hamilton right from preseason testing. Leclerc must continue such a form at the start of the season. This will ensure that he becomes the better prospect compared to the 40-year-old.
Lewis Hamilton will leave no stone unturned to defeat Charles Leclerc. As such, the 27-year-old must do his talking off-track and avoid any skirmishes within the team. If he can outperform Hamilton regularly, Ferrari will not be in a position to pivot towards the Briton.
Armaan Agarwal
(2313 Articles Published)