Charles Leclerc identifies his only racing hero: an F1 legend who never raced for Ferrari

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As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, much of the spotlight is naturally focused on Lewis Hamilton, but overlooking his new teammate, Charles Leclerc, would be a mistake that could cost fans dearly.

Although Ferrari finished the 2024 season without securing any trophies, the Maranello team's performance in the final stages of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix signaled that they were on the cusp of something truly remarkable.

With the Constructors' Championship still within reach going into the last race of the season, both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz knew they had a legitimate chance to surpass McLaren. Max Verstappen's timely spin, which took Oscar Piastri out of contention, offered a glimmer of hope. Leclerc's flawless drive, which saw him rise from the back of the grid to a podium finish, was widely praised by pundits like David Coulthard. However, despite their efforts, it wasn't enough to secure the necessary points.

2024 marked perhaps Carlos Sainz's most impressive season in Formula 1, yet it's the recruitment of Lewis Hamilton that will likely bring the most satisfaction to Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur. With Lewis Hamilton now joining Charles Leclerc for 2025, Ferrari's driver lineup has been strengthened significantly.

Many fans believe Ferrari boasts the strongest pairing on the grid heading into the new Formula 1 season, and if the team's car proves to be as competitive as it was last year, they may finally be poised to break their lengthy championship drought.

As Lewis Hamilton arrives with the weight of unparalleled success behind him, Charles Leclerc remains in search of his first Formula 1 title. His near-miss in 2022, when he finished second to Max Verstappen, is still fresh in his mind. While mistakes and questionable strategy decisions hindered his chances that season, Ferrari has made significant strides in refining their race strategies. With a faster car at his disposal, Charles Leclerc is well aware that 2025 is his pivotal moment to solidify his legacy and take the next step in his career.

In an interview with the Italian daily newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Monegasque driver was asked to name his all-time ‘champion’ across all sports. He responded by naming Ayrton Senna, describing him as a legend, not only in motorsport but in the broader context. He also mentioned that Senna was the only idol he had ever looked up to.

Ayrton Senna is widely regarded as one of the finest drivers in Formula 1 history, with his legacy as a three-time world champion cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats. His career, tragically cut short by his fatal crash at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, left many wondering what more he could have achieved had fate been kinder.

Last year, Lewis Hamilton paid a heartfelt tribute to Senna during the São Paulo Grand Prix, reflecting on the Brazilian's immense influence both on and off the track. This admiration for the legendary Senna is something that Hamilton and his new teammate at Ferrari, Charles Leclerc, share in common, with both drivers viewing Senna as an iconic figure in the world of motorsport.

As Leclerc enters what could be the most pivotal season of his Formula 1 career, the stakes are undeniably high. While it wouldn't be fair to suggest that Leclerc has yet had the opportunity to race in a car capable of consistently fighting for championships, his impressive record of outperforming every teammate he has faced – including the formidable four-time world champion, Sebastian Vettel – clearly signals that he is more than capable of contending for the title in 2025.

However, Lewis Hamilton represents a different kind of challenge for Charles Leclerc than the likes of Carlos Sainz or Sebastian Vettel. The British driver's vast experience and pedigree in the sport make him a formidable adversary, even though Hamilton may not possess the raw speed of Leclerc in a single qualifying lap. The key for the Monegasque will be to leverage his strengths to gain an edge over Hamilton, especially in the early part of the season.

It's very unlikely that the Maranello team will designate a clear number-one driver at the start of the 2025 season, so Charles Leclerc's ability to consistently secure superior track position by outqualifying Hamilton could force Ferrari's hand when it comes to strategy decisions. This is a tactic that Senna mastered during his career, as he often used his qualifying prowess to gain a tactical advantage, making it a crucial element in his approach to racing. If Leclerc can follow a similar strategy, it could prove to be the key difference in whether he challenges for the championship or finds himself playing a supporting role to Hamilton as the British driver seeks an eighth world title.

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