Lewis Hamilton ‘understands’ Charles Leclerc’s Sebastian Vettel problem
LEWIS HAMILTON says he understands why Charles Leclerc is growing frustrated with being Sebastian Vettel’s wingman.
Formula 1: Mercedes' Leclerc discusses overtaking Vettel
Ferrari laid down their terms before the season begun that Leclerc would be their No 2 driver for the 2019 campaign.
However, the 21-year-old has out-performed his team-mate in the opening three races.
Leclerc defied team orders and overtook Vettel in Bahrain - where he would have won the race but for a late power failure.
And five-time world champion Hamilton has a lot of sympathy for Leclerc.
“When I got to Formula 1, I wanted to win as soon as possible and beat the champion I was racing against. So it is very similar,” Hamilton said.
“I see much of myself in Charles and he is doing a great job so far.
“With really high expectations at a huge team like Ferrari, he is driving so well, and he just has to keep doing what he is doing, it will come to him.”
Hamilton finished second by one point in his maiden F1 season with McLaren in 2007 before winning the Championship the following year.
F1: Sebastian Vettel addresses Charles Leclerc swap
The Brit partnered two-time world champion Fernando Alonso so acknowledges the difficulties of racing a legend of the sport.
“There have been a couple of scenarios when there are multiple world champions who demand the number one position and so you become a number two,” Hamilton added.
“While it is a privileged position it goes against your core values.
“I understand how Charles feels because in his heart he believes he has the potential be the best and it is almost like having your light dimmed.
“So as a racer and as a fierce competitor, you kind of rebel.
“They say to do one thing but the fighter in you wants to push against it. I experienced that.”