Lewis Hamilton sends one-word message to Charles Leclerc as official Ferrari photos emerge

Lewis Hamilton has issued a one-word message to new teammate Charles Leclerc after Ferrari released the first official images of the duo.

Last week, Hamilton finally began life as a Ferrari driver as he arrived at the team's base in Maranello.

On Wednesday, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion drove his first laps in a Ferrari car as he completed a test session around the team's track in Fiorano.

Afterwards, the 40-year-old's lap times were quickly compared to the likes of Leclerc and Michael Schumacher.

Hamilton is set to take part in his second test session this week in Barcelona, Spain, around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Ahead of the session, Ferrari released official pictures of Hamilton and Leclerc as the team unveiled their race wear for the 2025 season.

Lewis Hamilton sends one-word message to Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc

Taking to social media, Monegasque star Leclerc posted a series of images to show off his new helmet design, with a caption that read: "New 2025 helmet babyyyyyy. I’m sure it will be a fast one."

In response, Hamilton simply wrote: "Clean."

Charles Leclerc warning sent to Lewis Hamilton ahead of 2025 season

Heading into the first race, which will take place in March, Hamilton has been warned about the threat of Leclerc.

Former Top Gear presenter and F1 fan Jeremy Clarkson said: "What I do know is he’ll have his work cut out to beat his team-mate Charles Leclerc, who speaks Italian, knows the team, doesn’t spend quite so long posing for pictures and, thanks to a single-lap shootout, is regarded by many to be the fastest driver of them all.

"Maybe Lewis is aware of this. And maybe he signed for Ferrari for a different reason – he knows he’s past his prime now and he didn’t want to retire having never driven for motorsport’s crown jewel. Either way, I wish him well."

The 2025 F1 season will begin in March with the Australian Grand Prix, which will be held around Albert Park in Melbourne on March 16.