Leclerc sends Hamilton warning ahead of Ferrari…read more
Charles Leclerc has issued a warning to Lewis Hamilton ahead of their partnership at Ferrari in 2025, expressing his determination to compete for a maiden Formula 1 world championship. With Hamilton set to join Leclerc at the Scuderia, the duo is hopeful that they can use the momentum from Ferrari’s strong 2024 season to challenge for the team’s first title since 2008.
In 2024, Ferrari secured five wins, their highest total since 2018, as they battled McLaren for the constructors’ championship. They narrowly missed out on the title by just 14 points after a dramatic season finale in Abu Dhabi. Leclerc, who has consistently outperformed his teammates throughout his F1 career, except for 2021, is eager to fight for the title, not just alongside Hamilton but also against him.
Speaking at the FIA Prize Gala, Leclerc reflected on the positives of the 2024 season, although he emphasized that second or third place was not Ferrari’s goal. The team, he said, is focused on winning, and the second half of the season has given him confidence for the future. “I’m very hungry for next year,” Leclerc remarked, acknowledging that the disappointment from narrowly missing out on the constructors’ title is still fresh. He praised McLaren’s performance, conceding that they deserved the title, and also congratulated Max Verstappen for his dominant season.
One of the standout moments for Leclerc in 2024 was winning in Monaco, his home Grand Prix. Growing up in Monaco and dreaming of becoming a Ferrari driver, winning there was especially meaningful for him. Another unforgettable experience came in Abu Dhabi, where Leclerc had the unique opportunity to drive alongside his younger brother Arthur during Free Practice 1, marking a special family milestone.
As Ferrari looks ahead to the 2025 season, the pairing of Leclerc and Hamilton has generated much excitement. While Hamilton brings a wealth of experience and a proven championship pedigree, Leclerc’s determination to win his first title and his hunger for success at Ferrari are key factors to watch. The stage is set for a thrilling rivalry between the two, as Ferrari aims to return to the top of Formula 1 after a lengthy championship drought.
Will Leclerc be able to outshine Hamilton and take the title in 2025? The motorsport world eagerly awaits the answer.
