Charles Leclerc turns down claims of age affecting 40-year-old Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari

Charles Leclerc insisted that Lewis Hamilton's age will not have a direct impact on his performance at Ferrari.

Charles Leclerc turns down claims of age affecting 40-year-old Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton (via Scuderia Ferrari)

Lewis Hamilton partners Charles Leclerc at Scuderia Ferrari this year. The Monegasque driver faces the challenge of having the most successful driver in history as his teammate. Now, Leclerc has insisted that he will not discount Hamilton over his age.

Charles Leclerc is currently 27 years old, while Hamilton turned 40 this January. Both drivers are from different generations, but this has never really made a difference on-track. With Lewis Hamilton showing his brilliance with a fairytale victory at Silverstone last year.

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Leclerc mentioned that he could not be in a position to judge Lewis Hamilton over his age as he doesn’t know how it felt to be 12 years older. Nevertheless, the Monegasque driver emphasized that the seven-time world champion remains in great shape. As such, he reckoned that age didn’t play any part in affecting Hamilton’s performance.

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I don’t know. I don’t know what it’s like to be 12 years older! So it’s difficult to judge. But I mean, honestly, what I’ve seen from Lewis is in extremely good shape, so I don’t think that plays a part in it at all.

Charles Leclerc said, as reported by PlanetF1

Lewis Hamilton extremely motivated for Ferrari ‘adventure’

Hamilton is ready to push himself to the limit at the Scuderia. The 40-year-old planned his switch perfectly, even deciding exactly how he wanted his first post to be. Lewis Hamilton has even mentioned that he is focused on bringing glory back to Maranello. Charles Leclerc highlighted that the Briton was fully motivated for his new journey. As such, age would not impact his on-track results.

Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton (via GPBlog)

I think he’s also extremely motivated to be starting this new adventure in his career, so I don’t think age will have to do anything with what we’ll see on the track.

Charles Leclerc added

Certainly, Leclerc is excited to have the seven-time world champion as his teammate. However, this friendship could soon turn into a rivalry. Lewis Hamilton will not be holding back from throwing his elbows out against the Monegasque driver when needed. Thus, the Tifosi can expect things to get heated within Maranello this year.