Charles Leclerc has “analysed every single thing” that the seven-time World Champion has done since arriving at Ferrari to understand the key to his Formula 1 exploits.
Leclerc is in his eighth full-time season with the Maranello-based team – having been promoted from Alfa Romeo Sauber (now Audi) at the start of the 2019 season.
His pairing with Hamilton is his second rodeo alongside a multiple-time F1 World Champion after having dispatched Sebastian Vettel with ease between 2019 and 2020.
This time, however, even though the Monegasque is still ahead of his team-mate in terms of overall results, Hamilton is proving a worthy adversary strapped into the SF-26.
Four rounds into the 2026 season, Leclerc has two podiums to his name as compared to Hamilton’s one. But admittedly, Leclerc has learned a lot from the Briton since his arrival at Ferrari, last year.
“Since the day Lewis arrived in the team, for me, it was a huge opportunity to learn from him,” Leclerc told Sky Sports F1.
Leclerc revealed how he has “analysed every single thing” Hamilton has done so far at the iconic Italian marque and has possibly decanted the key to his F1 success.
“I analysed every single thing he does as a preparation, all the way to when he jumps into the car,” he added.
“And then I would say the driving, it’s more specific from track to track. We’ve got our own strengths and sometimes I will look at him on a particular corner and I will analyse that, but that’s more specific track to track.
“But I think the approach is what made him have all the success that he’s had in the past.”
Charles Leclerc reiterates Ferrari F1 dream
Hamilton’s arrival has coincided with a renewed hope within the TIfosi to see the end to Ferrari’s title drought which has persisted since 2008.
That said, Leclerc still takes the onus on himself to deliver that respite. Having won eight Grands Prix with Ferrari so far, Leclerc reiterated that despite the competition in the adjacent garage, his ultimate target is to win in red for himself.
“Ferrari is very special for me, not only today, but it’s always been the case my whole life,” Leclerc asserted.
“It’s always been about the red car, even before I knew the Ferrari’s name. I’m always as excited and as grateful as I was the first day I was announced as being a Ferrari driver.
“Driving for Ferrari is very special, but I would love to be winning a world championship with Ferrari.
“That’s what I’ve been working on since the first day I arrived here, and I really hope this will happen one day.”
Ferrari’s early season form suggests a certain proximity to leaders Mercedes. However, the Miami GP confirmed that the season can become a three-horse race with the ascension of McLaren.
Heading into the Canadian GP weekend, Leclerc would be hoping that the SF-26 unlocks its ultimate potential to leapfrog its rivals into race-winning contention.
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