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 way of the F1 world once they introduced Hamilton’s blockbuster transfer from Mercedes for the 2025 System 1 marketing campaign. His swap 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 focus away from Leclerc, who has led the crew since 2019.
Fred Vasseur explains why Lewis Hamilton is the perfect associate 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 proper addition alongside Charles Leclerc, bringing expertise and management that may elevate the whole 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 determination 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 fitting associate to push Leclerc and Ferrari ahead.
The French supervisor advised Sky Sports activities that Hamilton has modified considerably over time, noting that he’s now 20 years older than once they first labored collectively. He emphasised that everybody evolves over time, gaining expertise and growing their abilities.
In accordance with Fred Vasseur, Hamilton has change into way more mature and educated, making him a super addition to the crew. He acknowledged that this was exactly what he had been searching for—not just for Ferrari as a complete but in addition for himself and Charles Leclerc—believing that their partnership varieties 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 information as doable from Hamilton, whose record-breaking profession consists of 105 Grand Prix wins, 104 pole positions, and 202 podium finishes. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old should be certain that he doesn’t permit the seven-time champion to say 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 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 in need of 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 crew’s main drive reasonably than permitting Hamilton to dictate Ferrari’s course.
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