Charles Leclerc has expressed that Lewis Hamilton’s impending arrival at Ferrari in 2025 has provided him with added “reassurance” about its ambitions in Formula 1.
Hamilton opted to activate a break clause in his existing deal to bring an end to his long association with Mercedes once this campaign concludes to move to Ferrari.
The Briton will replace the incumbent Carlos Sainz, who will switch to Williams, to partner Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019 and has a long-term contract.
Ferrari will welcome the seven-time champion as F1’s most successful driver strives to help the sport’s most accomplished team log a first championship since 2008.
Leclerc, who has been runner-up on one occasion, is convinced that acquiring Hamiton’s expertise proves how serious the Italian marque is about returning to the top.
“It was reassuring because taking a driver like Lewis Hamilton is obviously a strong signal,” Leclerc told Motorsport.com’s Italian site.
“I saw it as a positive choice, starting with the fact that Lewis could facilitate the arrival of very talented people in the team.”
Leclerc has revealed that he was aware that there was a chance a deal could be reached between Hamilton and Ferrari prior to the announcement arriving in February.
“It had been in the air for a while, but until there is an official confirmation you can’t be sure,” he explained.
“I knew there was interest from both sides, and in these cases it is very likely that an agreement will be reached.
“I didn’t ask to know more, it’s not part of my role, but I must say that everyone has always been very open and sincere with me”.
Asked how he was told once it was a done deal, Leclerc answered: “Fred told me, but I repeat, day after day I had the perception that things were going in that direction.
“Honestly, I don’t remember a specific phone call in which they informed me of Lewis’ arrival, probably because I wasn’t surprised by the agreement.
“It was a conviction that grew progressively until the official announcement”.
The Monegasque has admitted that he is relishing the chance to observe Hamilton’s approach up close and see how he stacks up against the 105-time F1 race victor.
“I want to say that I am very happy with the way I worked with Carlos, he is an incredible driver and we overcame very difficult moments during our experience at Ferrari,” he said.
“And it is also thanks to his contribution that we are improving, we have always worked well together.
“At the same time, when you have a seven-time World Champion joining the team it is always good news, very interesting and very motivating.
“It is interesting because I will be able to learn from one of the best drivers in the entire history of F1, and it is very motivating because I am intrigued by the comparison with Lewis with the same car. For these two reasons I can’t wait to start this new chapter, but I still want to say that I have always had a great time with Carlos too”.
