Charles Leclerc reveals the key factor behind signing the mega Ferrari deal despite knowing about Lewis Hamilton’s move 

The Monegasque driver reveals his reasons behind signing the multi-year contract with Ferrari.

Charles Leclerc reveals the key factor behind signing the mega Ferrari deal despite knowing about Lewis Hamilton’s move 

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc (Via IMAGO)

Ferrari made some significant moves in the 2024 pre-season after ending 2023 with one win and a third place in the constructed championship. It was a disappointing year considering Charles Leclerc was fighting Max Verstappen for the title in 2023. Going into the 2024 season they aim to get back into WDC discussions with the revamped SF24.

The two major moves Ferrari made in the silly season were giving Leclerc a mega multi-year contract extension and signing Mercedes’s world champion driver Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season and beyond for another record-breaking deal. Leclerc recently revealed the key factor behind him signing the Ferrari deal despite knowing about the project.

YouTube video

During the season of 2023, Leclerc’s confidence was impacted by Ferrari’s inconsistent launch-spec machine, which was also influenced by the direction of the wind. However, the operating window of the SF-23 was widened by a modified floor, which gave Leclerc back control of the car. Zandvoort GP in August was a pivotal moment in Ferrari’s history. The Monegasque driver said that the Ferrari team’s response to its issues from the Dutch Grand Prix last season was the turning point in his faith in the team.

FS Video
I honestly think I have felt this feeling for six months already, six months ago since we started that second part of the season there was really big motivation from the whole team. I remember very clearly the moment we tested our particular test in Zandvoort in free practice and we came back from Zandvoort and we all sat down and we had very clear results in front of our eyes and I think that gave a huge motivation to the team. I don’t think it’s a new optimism right now, I think it already started six months ago, but it’s a good thing to see and it’s exciting for the future.
Charles Leclerc said: motorsportsweek.com

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Charles Leclerc is set to face the Lewis Hamilton challenge at Ferrari

Charles Leclerc, who was in talks to sign a new Ferrari deal, chose to stay at the Italian manufacturer, knowing Lewis Hamilton would join in 2025. Leclerc signed a multi-year contract with Ferrari just before Hamilton’s announcement.

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO).

Leclerc and his current teammate Carlos Sainz were informed about the team’s negotiations with Hamilton. He declined to take up Mercedes or Red Bull’s 2025 seats, to compete in machinery of equal capacity with Hamilton. Leclerc believes that outperforming Britton next year as a Ferrari driver would increase his status and make him the team leader. He also reckons that Hamilton’s veteran knowledge can improve the development of the ’25 Ferrari.

Ferrari is making significant investments to win the Formula One championship, and Hamilton’s arrival may encourage other teams to sign more top-tier engineers. With a get-out clause in his new Ferrari contract that he can use following the 2026 season if Ferrari is unable to produce a winning car, Leclerc has given himself a backup plan.

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