Charles Leclerc has lengthy been a key determine at Ferrari, however with Lewis Hamilton now becoming a member of the group, Fred Vasseur believes the seven-time champion is strictly the teammate the Monegasque wanted.
Ferrari despatched shockwaves via the F1 world once they introduced Hamilton’s blockbuster transfer from Mercedes for the 2025 Method 1 marketing campaign. His change marks the tip of a dominant 12-year stint with the Silver Arrows, the place he claimed six of his seven world titles. Now, with an preliminary two-year deal and an choice for 2027, Hamilton is setting his sights on an eighth championship—whereas additionally reshaping Ferrari’s dynamic, probably shifting the main focus away from Leclerc, who has led the group since 2019.
Fred Vasseur explains why Lewis Hamilton is the best associate for Charles Leclerc
Whereas Pink Bull boss Christian Horner insists that Lewis Hamilton should mildew Ferrari round himself to mount a title problem, Fred Vasseur has a unique perspective. The Ferrari group principal is satisfied that Hamilton is the proper addition alongside Charles Leclerc, bringing expertise and management that may elevate the complete group.
Since arriving at Maranello, the Monegasque has gone head-to-head with two formidable teammates—first four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, after which Carlos Sainz. Now, he faces a brand new problem in Hamilton, a driver with 105 Grand Prix victories to his identify.
Ferrari’s resolution to herald Hamilton meant strolling away from contract negotiations with Carlos Sainz, signaling a transparent shift of their ambitions. Nonetheless, for Fred Vasseur, the signing is about extra than simply efficiency. Having labored with Hamilton throughout his title-winning GP2 season in 2006, the Frenchman believes the Brit’s expertise, maturity, and starvation for fulfillment make him precisely the suitable associate to push Leclerc and Ferrari ahead.
The French supervisor instructed Sky Sports activities that Hamilton has modified considerably through the years, noting that he’s now 20 years older than once they first labored collectively. He emphasised that everybody evolves over time, gaining expertise and creating their expertise.
In response to Fred Vasseur, Hamilton has change into much more mature and educated, making him a perfect addition to the group. He said that this was exactly what he had been on the lookout for—not just for Ferrari as an entire but in addition for himself and Charles Leclerc—believing that their partnership kinds the proper mixture.
Charles Leclerc Should Maintain His Floor as Lewis Hamilton Goals to Form Ferrari in His Picture
Leclerc will undoubtedly look to soak up as a lot data as doable from Hamilton, whose record-breaking profession contains 105 Grand Prix wins, 104 pole positions, and 202 podium finishes. Nonetheless, the 27-year-old should make sure that he doesn’t permit the seven-time champion to say full dominance inside the group.
Whereas Ferrari group principal Fred Vasseur envisions them as a perfect pairing, their ambitions inevitably conflict—each drivers have their sights set on securing the title. Charles Leclerc has performed a vital function in Ferrari’s resurgence, serving to the group edge nearer to the entrance of the grid and ending simply 14 factors behind McLaren in final 12 months’s constructors’ standings.
Regardless of his contributions, the Monegasque’s private tally of eight race victories, 43 podiums, and 26 pole positions falls wanting Hamilton’s achievements. With Ferrari’s continued growth—most notably their shift to a pull-rod suspension on the SF-25—Leclerc should seize the momentum and set up himself because the group’s main pressure moderately than permitting Hamilton to dictate Ferrari’s course.
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