Ex-F1 driver gives ‘slap in the face’ warning to Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc at Ferrari

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert made it clear that things will not be easy for Lewis Hamilton against Charles Leclerc.

Ex-F1 driver gives ‘slap in the face’ warning to Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc at Ferrari

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton (via Scuderia Ferrari)

Lewis Hamilton will finally make his debut with Scuderia Ferrari this month. The seven-time world champion faces the challenge of partnering Charles Leclerc at Maranello. Now, former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has emphasized that things will not be easy for the British driver.

Leclerc has expressed his intention to analyze Hamilton’s every move at Ferrari this year. Moreover, the Monegasque driver was reportedly quicker than the 40-year-old during the SF-25 shakedown at Fiorano. Though, Hamilton has remained positive over his prospects after preseason testing.

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Herbert reckoned that when Lewis Hamilton has a driver quicker than him as teammates, it would act as a slap in the face for the F1 star. As the seven-time world champion will be aware that he’ll need to keep pushing himself to stay ahead of Charles Leclerc. This helps both drivers extract more pace out of the car.

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If you have a quick driver behind you, it actually gives you a slap in the face because you know that your team-mate is going to be very much on top of his game and he’s going to be pushing you and when he pushes you. That makes you push that little bit more.

Johnny Herbert told CasinoApps

Lewis Hamilton ‘aware’ of Charles Leclerc’s past at Ferrari

Charles Leclerc shocked the F1 world when he managed to outperform Sebastian Vettel as teammates in 2019. The Monegasque driver ultimately forced Vettel out of the Scuderia. Johnny Herbert emphasized that Lewis Hamilton would remember this achievement of the 27-year-old, making him even more motivated for the upcoming season.

Lewis Hamilton, Fred Vasseur and Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)
Lewis Hamilton, Fred Vasseur and Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)

We’ve always got to remember when Charles came into Ferrari with Sebastian Vettel, he took the team away from Sebastian. Lewis [Hamilton] is going to be aware of that. At the end of the day, motivation is the most powerful thing.

Johnny Herbert explained

Certainly, Lewis Hamilton is not going to have the easiest teammate battle this year. The Briton will find himself competing against Leclerc on-track. However, the two will likely maintain harmony and not ignite a major rivalry. Though, Formula 1 remains unpredictable and tensions can escalate at any moment.