Charles Leclerc and George Russell have both praised the influence of Lewis Hamilton as a Formula 1 team-mate, highlighting how much they have learned from working alongside the seven-time world champion. Their comments offer a different perspective on Hamilton’s relationship with his fellow drivers, particularly after his increasingly tense on-track rivalry with Leclerc at Ferrari.
Despite the controversy surrounding their opening-lap confrontation at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc remains highly appreciative of the experience of sharing a garage with Lewis Hamilton. George Russell, who previously partnered the British driver at Mercedes, expressed similar admiration, emphasising both the professional lessons and the personal experience of working with one of Formula 1’s most successful competitors.
Charles Leclerc explains what he has learned from Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari
Speaking during Saturday’s post-qualifying press conference in Mexico, Charles Leclerc was asked to reflect on the lessons he had taken from Lewis Hamilton since the seven-time world champion joined Ferrari at the beginning of 2025.
The Monegasque explained that working alongside Hamilton had provided valuable opportunities to improve across several aspects of his profession, extending well beyond what happens behind the wheel.
Leclerc highlighted the importance of observing his team-mate inside the garage and during technical meetings. By studying Hamilton’s working methods, priorities and the particular areas of car behaviour to which he is sensitive, the Ferrari driver has been able to gain a deeper understanding of a different approach to racing.
He also pointed out that every driver has individual preferences and sensitivities, making it worthwhile to understand how a team-mate interprets the performance and characteristics of a Formula 1 car.
That learning process continues on the circuit. Leclerc explained that he regularly examines what happens on the other side of the garage, including Hamilton’s driving style, to identify areas in which he might improve his own performance.
For the Monegasque, the benefits of having Hamilton as a team-mate therefore cover the entire working environment, from preparation and communication to driving technique.
His comments underline the respect he continues to show the British driver away from the circuit, even as their competitive rivalry at Ferrari raises questions about how the team manages its drivers.
George Russell shares Charles Leclerc’s admiration for Lewis Hamilton
George Russell was asked the same question during the press conference and offered an equally positive assessment of his former Mercedes team-mate.
The British driver raced alongside Lewis Hamilton between 2022 and 2024, joining the seven-time world champion at an earlier stage of his own Formula 1 career.
Russell acknowledged that he had learned a considerable amount from Hamilton during their three seasons together. He also felt that Charles Leclerc had already provided a comprehensive explanation of the technical and sporting benefits of working with such an experienced driver.
Rather than repeat those observations, Russell chose to emphasise the personal side of their relationship.
He described Hamilton as an excellent person and reflected positively on the privilege of sharing both the Mercedes garage and the race track with him.
Russell’s comments were particularly notable because they came from someone who had experienced Hamilton’s approach within the same team over several seasons, rather than simply observing him as a rival.
Although Leclerc and Russell have worked with Hamilton at different stages of their careers, both identified the value of learning from his experience and seeing how he operates at close quarters.
Ferrari’s Mexico GP clash contrasts with Charles Leclerc’s praise
The respectful comments from Charles Leclerc came before a difficult Sunday for Ferrari at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
On the opening lap, Leclerc attempted to overtake Lewis Hamilton but left the circuit and gained an advantage, resulting in a five-second penalty from the stewards.
Hamilton also ran wide while defending his position. When he rejoined the track, he had dropped behind Max Verstappen, who eventually went on to win the race.
The seven-time world champion believed that his team-mate’s actions had cost Ferrari the opportunity to secure a one-two finish. He was particularly frustrated that Leclerc had not given the position back, an issue the Monegasque subsequently addressed when explaining his decision following the opening-lap incident.
The confrontation followed another difficult moment between the Ferrari drivers at Monza. On that occasion, Hamilton’s attempted manoeuvre at the first chicane ended with him in the gravel trap and losing six positions.
Leclerc later acknowledged that he had been too aggressive towards his team-mate during the Italian Grand Prix incident.
These episodes have encouraged speculation about whether the relationship between Ferrari’s drivers could deteriorate as their on-track competition intensifies. However, Leclerc’s remarks in Mexico demonstrated that he continues to hold Hamilton’s abilities and professional approach in high regard.
His public praise also provides context for his response to Hamilton’s frustration after the Mexican Grand Prix, when the two drivers were left with different perspectives on their opening-lap battle.
Lewis Hamilton moves 14 points ahead of Charles Leclerc in Ferrari battle
Although the 2026 Formula 1 world championship has already been decided in favour of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the competition between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc remains significant for both Ferrari drivers.
Hamilton strengthened his position in their internal points battle at the Mexico City Grand Prix, finishing second while Leclerc came home fourth.
Those results left the British driver 14 points ahead of his team-mate, adding another dimension to their increasingly competitive relationship.
Beyond the championship positions, the comparison between the two Ferrari drivers has become particularly interesting because of their contrasting experience within the team. Leclerc has been an established figure at Maranello for several seasons, while Hamilton arrived in 2025 with seven world titles and an extensive record of success elsewhere.
Their season-long results can be explored through the Charles Leclerc versus Lewis Hamilton head-to-head statistics, which compare the Ferrari drivers across qualifying, race results and other performance measures.
Lewis Hamilton approaches 400th F1 start ahead of Sao Paulo Grand Prix
The comments from Charles Leclerc and George Russell also come as Lewis Hamilton approaches another major milestone in his Formula 1 career.
The seven-time world champion is set to make his 400th Grand Prix start at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, further extending one of the most successful careers in the sport’s history.
His experience is particularly striking when compared with the two drivers who have shared a garage with him most recently. Charles Leclerc and George Russell have accumulated 360 race starts between them, fewer than Hamilton’s individual total as he approaches the landmark.
Both drivers partnered Hamilton during the ground-effect era, a period that represented a statistical low point in the British driver’s career. Nevertheless, their comments suggest that the lessons available from working alongside him were not limited to his results on track.
Hamilton’s resurgence with the newer generation of Formula 1 cars has also changed the competitive picture at Ferrari. Leclerc’s position as the team’s leading driver has come under increasing pressure, with the seven-time world champion now ahead in their championship battle.
That competitive tension makes Leclerc’s praise particularly significant. Despite fighting Hamilton directly for results and points, the Monegasque continues to recognise the value of his team-mate’s experience, working methods and driving ability.
Russell’s reflections reinforce the same point from a different perspective. Having already completed three seasons alongside Hamilton at Mercedes, he regards their time together as an important part of his own development.
As Hamilton prepares for his 400th Formula 1 start, the assessments of his current and former team-mates illustrate how his influence extends beyond victories and championships, reaching into the daily work and development of the drivers competing alongside him.
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