Alesi on Leclerc’s extension: “The partnership with Lewis Hamilton can work, but the roles must be clearly defined”
Charles Leclerc and Ferrari officially announced the extension of their partnership on the eve of the Monaco Grand Prix. Although the Monegasque driver was not approaching the end of his previous contract, the new agreement further strengthens the already long-standing relationship between Charles Leclerc and the Scuderia.
Alesi and Leclerc: different personalities, same Ferrari passion
Since joining Ferrari in 2019, Charles Leclerc has become the central figure of the Maranello project, and his future now appears closely tied to that of the Italian team for many years to come.
Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, has been part of Ferrari since 2025, arriving at a team that had already been built around Charles Leclerc for several seasons. Speaking to the Italian newspaper La Stampa, former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi emphasized the importance of how Ferrari manages the coexistence between its two star drivers.
“Charles and Lewis can help the team in different ways, both in the development of the car and in the growth of the group. It is a partnership that can work, but there needs to be internal balance and clarity regarding the roles, without creating confusion. One driver should not prevail over the other,” Jean Alesi said.
The Frenchman believes the combination of Charles Leclerc’s long-term experience within Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton’s wealth of championship-winning knowledge can become a major asset for the team, provided the internal dynamic is handled correctly.
Jean Alesi believes Charles Leclerc can become world champion with Ferrari
In some ways, Charles Leclerc’s loyalty to Ferrari has drawn comparisons with Jean Alesi himself. Both drivers built a deep emotional connection with the Scuderia, despite spending significant periods driving cars that were often unable to consistently match the performance of their strongest rivals.
However, unlike Alesi, who never managed to fight seriously for a world title in red, the former Ferrari favourite is convinced that Charles Leclerc will eventually achieve his dream of becoming Formula 1 world champion with the team.
“I am convinced of it. Sooner or later Ferrari will return to winning the Drivers’ Championship, and when that happens, Charles must be ready because he can do it,” Alesi explained.
“This contract extension is a declaration of intent. He and Ferrari are one and the same; they believe in the same project. He is a driver who has put his love for the team ahead of everything else.”
“Honestly, I have never been able to picture him wearing the overalls of another team.”
For Alesi, Charles Leclerc’s renewed commitment goes beyond a simple contract extension. It represents a clear statement of mutual trust between driver and team, reinforcing the belief that Ferrari’s future success could ultimately be built around the Monegasque star.
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