Charles Leclerc has gained 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 crew, which is a clearly low tally contemplating his expertise and the variety of races he has contested. The Monegasque driver might undoubtedly have achieved rather more if the Prancing Horse had supplied him with extra aggressive vehicles throughout these years. In terms of pole positions, the quantity rises: we’re speaking about 26 begins from the entrance. A determine that highlights his distinctive ability in single-lap efficiency and understanding of the automotive. Ten quickest laps, forty-three podiums, two hat tips, and one grand slam.
The entire factors collected, together with his debut System 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 System 1 marketing campaign is the final below the present guidelines and rules. Then, one other revolution will arrive, possibly the largest the highest tier of motorsport has ever seen. Provided that we have no idea how the steadiness of energy will shift, because the FIA has launched really radical adjustments, 2025 stays a major goal that the Maranello crew is closely targeted on.
Within the meantime Carlos Sainz has left the Italian aspect and Lewis Hamilton has arrived. The seven-time System 1 world champion lands in Italy on the age of 40. Many imagine he’s now not the phenomenon he as soon as was. In any case, age takes its toll on everybody. Nevertheless, he doesn’t see it that means in any respect. Quite the opposite, similar to Ferrari crew 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 prospect to make historical past. By becoming a member of Ferrari, he goals to carry the Maranello crew again to the highest of the world. And if he succeeds, it might be really spectacular. Imagining such a state of affairs means acknowledging that Lewis Hamilton would immediately turn out to be the best residing sports activities legend. All very thrilling—aside from one small element: his teammate.
Just lately, Italian journalist and Ferrari insider Leo Turrini, who’s a well known buddy of the Monegasque driver, shared some attention-grabbing 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 essentially the most prestigious crew, alongside a four-time System 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 crew radio instructing him to not assault decided the 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 the moment, who might probably suppose the Monegasque doesn’t intend to do the identical with Lewis Hamilton?
The teammate, in System 1, has at all times been the primary rival. And when two drivers race for a similar crew, with the identical automotive and the prospect to win, the competitors naturally intensifies. How would Charles Leclerc really feel if Ferrari returned to profitable a championship, however 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 greatest 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.
Now we have 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 chance, after Fernando Alonso, he will probably be going through the strongest teammate he has ever needed to share a storage with. The 2 are mates, or at the very least their relationship appears wonderful at this stage. And hopefully for Ferrari, it stays that means and also will consequence within the Maranello crew profitable the Constructors’ championship after virtually twenty years. However the motivation Charles Leclerc could have this yr can solely be described as immense. Constantly outpacing essentially the most profitable driver in historical past would give him even better confidence in his skills.
Charles Leclerc’ twin goal is exactly this: to beat Lewis Hamilton and win the 2025 System 1 championship. It will be the top 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 high. Too dangerous the Brit could have no intention of agreeing. And if the SF-25 proves to be a title contender, the battle forward on monitor 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 monitor on the Albert Park circuit in Australia.
— see video above —
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us
