Charles Leclerc has received eight races with Ferrari: Belgium, Italy, Bahrain, Australia, Austria, Monza once more, and the US. These victories are unfold over six years on the Maranello workforce, which is a clearly low tally contemplating his expertise and the variety of races he has contested. The Monegasque driver may undoubtedly have achieved far more if the Prancing Horse had supplied him with extra aggressive vehicles throughout these years. Relating to pole positions, the quantity rises: we’re speaking about 26 begins from the entrance. A determine that highlights his distinctive talent in single-lap efficiency and understanding of the automotive. Ten quickest laps, forty-three podiums, two hat tips, and one grand slam.
The whole factors collected, together with his debut Method 1 season with Alfa Romeo, quantity to 1,430. Now, because the Ferrari driver prepares for his eighth season, expectations are very excessive, particularly contemplating the truth that the 2024 Method 1 marketing campaign is the final below the present guidelines and laws. Then, one other revolution will arrive, possibly the largest the highest tier of motorsport has ever seen. On condition that we have no idea how the steadiness of energy will shift, because the FIA has launched really radical modifications, 2025 stays a primary goal that the Maranello workforce is closely targeted on.
Within the meantime Carlos Sainz has left the Italian aspect and Lewis Hamilton has arrived. The seven-time Method 1 world champion lands in Italy on the age of 40. Many imagine he’s not the phenomenon he as soon as was. In spite of everything, age takes its toll on everybody. Nevertheless, he doesn’t see it that method in any respect. Quite the opposite, identical to Ferrari workforce principal Frederic Vasseur, he’s completely satisfied he can nonetheless make an enormous distinction. That’s exactly why he has taken on this problem. The Brit has stepped out of his consolation zone, leaving Mercedes behind to embark on a brand new journey—the ultimate chapter of his extraordinary profession.
The British driver has the possibility to make historical past. By becoming a member of Ferrari, he goals to convey the Maranello workforce again to the highest of the world. And if he succeeds, it might be really spectacular. Imagining such a situation means acknowledging that Lewis Hamilton would immediately develop into the best dwelling sports activities legend. All very thrilling—aside from one small element: his teammate.
Lately, Italian journalist and Ferrari insider Leo Turrini, who’s a widely known pal of the Monegasque driver, shared some fascinating insights in his well-respected columns, recalling a comment Charles Leclerc made in 2019 earlier than the Australian Grand Prix. Ferrari had requested him to take it simple: it was, in spite of everything, his debut for probably the most prestigious workforce, alongside a four-time Method 1 world champion like Sebastian Vettel. His response? “I’ll crush him.” And in reality, though he completed behind the German on that event, he was faster, and solely a workforce radio instructing him to not assault decided the end result. The remainder is historical past as a result of, because the Italian journalist identified, it was Charles Leclerc who initiated Sebastian Vettel’s retirement.
Now, trying at this time, who may probably assume the Monegasque doesn’t intend to do the identical with Lewis Hamilton?
The teammate, in Method 1, has at all times been the primary rival. And when two drivers race for a similar workforce, with the identical automotive and the possibility to win, the competitors naturally intensifies. How would Charles Leclerc really feel if Ferrari returned to successful a championship, nevertheless it was the Britih driver who achieved it? To clear up any doubts, as Leo Turrini factors out, the prodigal son’s intentions are already set: to provide his finest and show that he can defat Lewis Hamilton as nicely. And the Brit is aware of this very nicely. He’s no idiot. That’s why his consideration to element is at its peak.
We’ve got seen him taking notes throughout his appearances with the Italian aspect, one thing by no means seen at Mercedes. He’s pushing himself to the restrict as a result of, in all probability, after Fernando Alonso, he will probably be going through the strongest teammate he has ever needed to share a storage with. The 2 are buddies, or at the very least their relationship appears glorious at this stage. And hopefully for Ferrari, it stays that method and also will outcome within the Maranello workforce successful the Constructors’ championship after virtually twenty years. However the motivation Charles Leclerc could have this yr can solely be described as immense. Persistently outpacing probably the most profitable driver in historical past would give him even higher confidence in his skills.
Charles Leclerc’ twin goal is exactly this: to beat Lewis Hamilton and win the 2025 Method 1 championship. It will be the head of his motorsport profession, with a double satisfaction—reaching the highest of the world with Ferrari, as he has at all times dreamed, whereas additionally relishing absolutely the gratification of doing so by defeating Lewis Hamilton. The proverbial cherry on prime. Too unhealthy the Brit could have no intention of agreeing. And if the SF-25 proves to be a title contender, the battle forward on observe could possibly be completely epic. The primary actual indication of this is available in a couple of month, when the brand new vehicles hit the observe on the Albert Park circuit in Australia.
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