Charles Leclerc's stance on Lewis Hamilton's 'weaknesses' shows true thoughts at Ferrari
Charles Leclerc offered his honest assessment of future team-mate Lewis Hamilton's capabilities at the wheel from what he currently observes at Ferrari.
Charles Leclerc says he can’t see any weaknesses to Lewis Hamilton’s racing ahead of them becoming Ferrari team-mates. The Monagasque will be joined by seven-time world champion Hamilton in one of the greatest F1 pairings of all-time next season.
Leclerc, a six-time race winner, has been the Italian team’s top driver alongside Carlos Sainz. But it remains to be seen how Hamilton’s arrival will impact the pecking order, and whether he’ll be able to adapt to a new car quickly enough to compete.
For now, Leclerc feels he’ll certainly be up against it in their head-to-head battle - because he can’t pick any holes in Hamilton’s abilities.
Related articles
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
When asked if he can beat him by the BBC, his response began: "Well... I need to be convinced that I am the fastest driver when I put the helmet on, but I am really looking forward to it, and it will be super-interesting for me. I have always said you learn from every single team-mate you have over your career.
“When I look at the way he drives - because we always look at each other and data - you don't really see any weaknesses. And that's where Lewis is incredible. He's only got strengths.
"So I'm really looking forward to seeing how he works with his engineers, the feedback, and all of these kinds of things, to learn and become better."
Leclerc is relishing the opportunity to take knowledge from the most successful driver in history. He dismissed suggestions that Hamilton’s arrival is evidence Ferrari don’t trust in him to end what will likely become a 17-year wait for a world title.
“Ferrari is Ferrari. And they need the best drivers in their cars. So, for the benefit of Ferrari, it is completely understandable,” he added. Their chances next year also depend, of course, on if they can provide Leclerc and Hamilton with a title-challenging car.
The former explained they’re trying to balance their qualifying and race pace to improve their performances on a Sunday, which have tailed off of late. They remain second in the constructors’ championship, but only seven points ahead of McLaren and 81 of a resurgent Mercedes team buoyed by Hamilton’s victory at the British Grand Prix.
