Charles Leclerc has lengthy been a key determine at Ferrari, however with Lewis Hamilton now becoming a member of the crew, Fred Vasseur believes the seven-time champion is strictly the teammate the Monegasque wanted.
Ferrari despatched shockwaves by means of the F1 world after they introduced Hamilton’s blockbuster transfer from Mercedes for the 2025 Formulation 1 marketing campaign. His change marks the top 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 possibility for 2027, Hamilton is setting his sights on an eighth championship—whereas additionally reshaping Ferrari’s dynamic, doubtlessly shifting the main target away from Leclerc, who has led the crew since 2019.
Fred Vasseur explains why Lewis Hamilton is the perfect companion for Charles Leclerc
Whereas Purple 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 crew principal is satisfied that Hamilton is the right addition alongside Charles Leclerc, bringing expertise and management that can elevate the complete crew.
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 choice to usher in Hamilton meant strolling away from contract negotiations with Carlos Sainz, signaling a transparent shift of their ambitions. Nevertheless, 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 correct companion 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 twenty years older than after they first labored collectively. He emphasised that everybody evolves over time, gaining expertise and growing their abilities.
In response to Fred Vasseur, Hamilton has develop into way more mature and educated, making him a super addition to the crew. He said that this was exactly what he had been in search of—not just for Ferrari as a complete but additionally for himself and Charles Leclerc—believing that their partnership varieties the right 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 information as potential from Hamilton, whose record-breaking profession contains 105 Grand Prix wins, 104 pole positions, and 202 podium finishes. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old should be sure that he doesn’t permit the seven-time champion to claim full dominance throughout the crew.
Whereas Ferrari crew principal Fred Vasseur envisions them as a super 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 crew edge nearer to the entrance of the grid and ending simply 14 factors behind McLaren in final yr’s constructors’ standings.
Regardless of his contributions, the Monegasque’s private tally of eight race victories, 43 podiums, and 26 pole positions falls in need of Hamilton’s achievements. With Ferrari’s continued improvement—most notably their shift to a pull-rod suspension on the SF-25—Leclerc should seize the momentum and set up himself because the crew’s main pressure fairly than permitting Hamilton to dictate Ferrari’s route.
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