Luigi Mazzola has shared his thoughts on the contrasting leadership styles of today’s Formula 1 stars — highlighting Max Verstappen’s charisma, Lewis Hamilton’s maturity, and Charles Leclerc’s still untapped potential. Speaking on the NewsF1 podcast, the former Ferrari engineer explained how Max Verstappen has become the perfect example of the complete driver: fast, aggressive, and capable of asserting his authority within the team, transforming Red Bull into a consistent winning force.
According to Luigi Mazzola, Max Verstappen’s true strength lies in his personality and natural charisma. “He has learned from his mistakes,” he said, “and now he knows how to earn respect, both on and off the track.” Luigi Mazzola added that the Dutch driver’s ability to make crucial decisions, even when they go against team orders, is what truly demonstrates his natural leadership and control over his environment.
At Ferrari, however, the situation looks different. Despite holding seven world titles, Lewis Hamilton is still adapting to the SF-25 and working to find the right balance with the car and the team. His potential as a team leader has not yet been fully expressed, though his vast experience remains an invaluable resource for Frédéric Vasseur’s squad.
Charles Leclerc, on the other hand, according to Luigi Mazzola, has not yet shown the mental strength and decision-making authority that define great leaders. “He’s fast and incredibly talented,” Luigi Mazzola explained, “but he still lacks that ability to impose himself during crucial technical decisions — those key moments when a driver needs to take control and command the situation.”
This, Luigi Mazzola believes, is the crucial element that separates champions from mere race winners: the capacity to lead and inspire the team even during moments of uncertainty. At Ferrari, that kind of leadership is something the team still seems to be missing.
Nevertheless, Luigi Mazzola remains optimistic about the future. He believes that the pairing of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton could soon deliver the results that Ferrari fans have long been waiting for. “Charles has matured a lot, and Lewis remains a strong point of reference,” Luigi Mazzola concluded. “But to win consistently, a team needs an absolute leader — and in that sense, Max Verstappen still represents the ultimate example to follow.”
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