Leclerc sees Hamilton move to Ferrari as ‘incredible opportunity’

Charles Leclerc is looking forward to be working alongside Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari next year, seeing it as an incredible opportunity rather than a setback. In an interview with BBC, Leclerc, who will be entering his seventh season at Ferrari, emphasized the benefits of having Hamilton, a seven-time champion, as his teammate.

Leclerc said, “For me, it’s an incredible opportunity. First, to learn from the most successful driver ever. And to prove myself as well against Lewis, who is a benchmark for everybody.”

The decision to sign Hamilton has been viewed by some within the F1 community as a potential signal that Ferrari might be hedging their bets on Leclerc, who had previously been seen as the team’s clear choice to lead them to a World Championship. However, Leclerc dismisses this interpretation, stating that he understands Ferrari’s need to have the best drivers in their cars.

We’ve all been waiting for this 🐶

📸 Lewis Hamilton & Charles Leclerc (IG)#F1 pic.twitter.com/lPFQWzFoIr

More on this topic:

Hamilton feared he’d never triumph in F1 race again

— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) July 16, 2024

“Not at all,” Leclerc responded when asked if he saw the signing of Hamilton as a blow. “Because Ferrari is Ferrari. And they need the best drivers in their cars. So, for the benefit of Ferrari, it is completely understandable.”

Leclerc further emphasized that he sees only positives in Hamilton joining the team: “For me, I don’t see any negative in that, because it’s Lewis Hamilton.”