Charles Leclerc’s reaction to Lewis Hamilton being his Ferrari teammate in 2025 speaks volumes.
Last week, Hamilton’s future with Mercedes was thrown into chaos after reports circulated that a move to Ferrari could happen in 2025.
By Thursday evening, it was confirmed that Hamilton will indeed leave Mercedes after the 2024 campaign.
In 2025, seven-time world champion Hamilton will partner Leclerc for Ferrari.
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However, according to Italian news outlet Corriere dello Sport, Leclerc has been left unimpressed by the news.
The report claims that the Monegasque and his team were not happy upon hearing the news.
It is believed that Leclerc was left ‘shocked and disappointed’ by the team’s decision and that he had ‘no idea what was about to happen’.
Speaking about the possibility of having Hamilton as a teammate last season, Leclerc said: “Hello, Lewis! I mean, a fast teammate, as everybody. We are in Formula 1, and we love to be fighting against the best.
“But that’s not to say that my teammate is not fast. Carlos is an extremely fast driver. But yeah, considering that, I mean, I’m not the person who makes the choices. So yeah, let’s see.”
The 26-year-old continued: “If I say yes, I imagine it being the title of every newspaper.
“But I mean, Lewis is such an incredible driver, has achieved so much in the sport. So, I think anybody on the grid will love to have Lewis as a teammate, as everybody will learn a lot from him. But yeah, again, I’m happy where I am. And with Carlos, it’s a great relationship too.”
Despite his exit announcement, Hamilton said he is fully committed to the season ahead.
He said: “I want to finish on a high together. I am 100% committed to delivering the best performance I can this season and making my last year with the Silver Arrows, one to remember.”
The 2024 F1 season will start with the Bahrain Grand Prix in March.
Topics: Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Formula 1, Ferrari, Mercedes
Marcus Chan