Charles Leclerc has expressed that he is not expecting to hold a “different” relationship with Lewis Hamilton compared to his past team-mates at Ferrari in Formula 1.
Hamilton’s bombshell move to Ferrari has been lauded as the most anticipated driver move F1 has witnessed as the sport’s most decorated driver and team combine.
Hamilton’s arrival spelt an end to Carlos Sainz’s time with Ferrari, though, with the Spaniard’s bond with Leclerc helping the team to almost clinch the title last season.
Both Leclerc and Sainz have stated that their mutual interests outside racing developed into a genuine friendship which will outlive their period as Ferrari team-mates.
However, there will be an evident generation divide between the Italian outfit’s new driver line-up as Hamilton is 13 years Leclerc’s senior having turned 40 on Tuesday.
But despite the age gap, Leclerc has insisted that he has developed a “good relationship” with Hamilton as the two aim to win Ferrari’s first championship since 2008.
Asked whether he is anticipating a contrast in the dynamic with Hamilton, Leclerc told RacingNews365: “No, I don’t think so. We have a very good relationship too.
“It’s a different kind of relationship because I haven’t spent that much time with Lewis yet, but I have obviously so much respect for Lewis and what he has achieved.
“And we have had a very good relationship. We don’t have quite the same age, but we still share a lot of interest outside racing. So, no, I’m sure it won’t be any different.”
Vasseur not worried about Ferrari drivers
Leclerc has been consistent in his desire to learn from Hamilton, while also admitting to his eagerness to showcase his abilities against the seven-time F1 champion.
However, Red Bull boss Christian Horner has warned the Maranello-based squad that boasting two star-studded drivers could generate a “divisive” team environment.
But Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur has dismissed that he harbours concerns about the Hamilton-Leclerc partnership being detrimental to its title aspirations.
“Charles, Lewis, I am not particularly worried about this,” Vasseur told the BBC.
“They have a huge mutual respect, they know each other, they have been talking about this for months now.
“It is much better to fight for first and third or second and third than to fight for 19th and 20th.
“It is a good issue for a team to have this kind of discussion and approach and I am really convinced again that the performance of the team is coming from the emulation between the two.”
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