Even though Charles Leclerc is outperforming Lewis Hamilton across almost every aspect of the 2025 Ferrari teammate battle, the Monegasque has acknowledged that there is still one area where he does not match the seven-time world champion. Ferrari achieved a dream driver lineup when Lewis Hamilton joined Charlea Leclerc for the 2025 Formula 1 season, creating one of the most high-profile pairings on the grid.
The Monegasque had encouraged Ferrari to pursue Lewis Hamilton after learning about the team’s interest in signing the iconic British driver. The 28-year-old was eager for the challenge of competing alongside one of the most accomplished drivers in F1 history. Throughout the 2025 season, Charles Leclerc has generally held the upper hand over Hamilton in the traditional intra-team comparisons, dominating in pace, qualifying performance, and racecraft. However, the Monegasque has admitted that one critical element still separates him from Hamilton, highlighting the immense respect he has for his teammate’s achievements.
Charles Leclerc has openly stated that winning Formula 1 world championships is the key metric that would put him on the same level as Hamilton. During a promotional video for Shell Motorsport on Instagram, both Ferrari drivers were asked to read a selection of fan messages. Amidst the task, Lewis Hamilton remarked on how kind the letters were, before reading one that praised both drivers, stating: “I’m proud of you two and everything you do. You both are an inspiration to many of us. Thank you.” In response, Leclerc admitted that while he aims to continue inspiring fans, he still needs to secure more world titles to reach Hamilton’s level.
This admission illustrates the respect Charles Leclerc holds for Lewis Hamilton, despite their ongoing rivalry on every race weekend. Even as teammates, the Monegasque has consistently complimented Hamilton’s abilities, noting that he was never surprised by the Brit’s skill and racecraft, having followed Hamilton’s career long before they became partners at Ferrari.
Charles Leclerc ’s feelings about Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari have been complex. Initially, there were the typical challenges that accompany adapting to a new teammate of Hamilton’s calibre. Hamilton, after some adjustment, has managed to elevate his performance and adapt to the SF-25’s handling characteristics, demonstrating why he remains one of the most formidable drivers in the sport. Leclerc has acknowledged this turnaround, recognizing that Hamilton’s form can influence the team dynamic and potentially affect his own performance if the Brit continues to excel.
According to Sky Sports F1 presenter Simon Lazenby, Leclerc is “not a happy camper” within the Ferrari garage due to the attention and spotlight shifting toward Lewis Hamilton. Having spent much of his tenure at the Scuderia as the team’s clear number one driver, the introduction of Hamilton disrupted the established hierarchy. Ferrari’s increased focus on Hamilton is understandable given the wealth of experience and championship-winning knowledge the Brit brings to the team. This dynamic has added pressure on the 28-year-old driver, who continues to balance respect for his Maranello teammate with his own ambitions of leading Ferrari to further success.
Leave a Reply